Photon distribution function for long-distance propagation of partially coherent beams through the turbulent atmosphere

The photon density operator function is used to calculate light beam propagation through turbulent atmosphere. A kinetic equation for the photon distribution function is derived and solved using the method of characteristics. Optical wave correlations are described in terms of photon trajectories that depend on fluctuations of the refractive index. It is shown that both linear and quadratic disturbances produce sizable effects for long-distance propagation. The quadratic terms are shown to suppress the correlation of waves with different wave vectors. We examine the intensity fluctuations of partially coherent beams (beams whose initial spatial coherence is partially destroyed). Our calculations show that it is possible to significantly reduce the intensity fluctuations by using a partially coherent beam. The physical mechanism responsible for this pronounced reduction is similar to that of the Hanbury-Braun-Twiss effect.