Linear algebraic theory of partial coherence: discrete fields and measures of partial coherence
Date
2003-08
Authors
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Source Title
Proceedings of SPIE(International Society for Optical Engineering)
Print ISSN
0277-786X
Electronic ISSN
Publisher
SPIE
Volume
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Pages
1073 - 1074
Language
English
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Abstract
We present a linear algebraic theory of partial coherence which allows precise mathematical definitions of concepts such as coherence and incoherence. This not only provides new perspectives and insights, but also allows us to employ the tools of linear algebra in applications. We define a scalar measure of the degree of partial coherence of an optical field which is zero for complete incoherence and unity for full coherence.