Özaktaş, Haldun M.Yüksel, S.Kutay, M. A.2016-02-082016-02-082003-080277-786Xhttp://hdl.handle.net/11693/27488Date of Conference: 25-30 August, 2002Conference name:19th Congress of the International Commission for Optics: Optics for the Quality of Life, 2002We 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.EnglishData processingEigenvalues and eigenfunctionsMathematical modelsMatrix algebraNumerical methodsOptical correlationOpticsDiscrete fieldsOptical fieldsPartial coherenceCoherent lightConference Paper10.1117/12.531039