Changes in the spectrum, in the spectral degree of polarization, and in the spectral degree of coherence of a partially coherent beam propagating through a gradient-index fiber

Expressions are derived for the cross-spectral density matrix of an electromagnetic Gaussian Schell-model beam propagating through a paraxial ABCD system. Using the recently developed unified theory of coherence and polarization of electromagnetic beams and the ABCD matrix for gradient-index fibers, we study the changes of the spectral density, of the spectral degree of polarization, and of the spectral degree of coherence of such a beam as it travels through the fiber. Effects of material dispersion are also considered. (c) 2006 Optical Society of America.