Abstract

It is shown that the radiation efficiency of three-dimensional, primary sources depends strongly on their spatial-correlation properties. A closed-form expression for the optimal correlation is derived for the Gaussian Schell-model sources. The result implies that for small source sizes the most efficient source is a fully coherent one, whereas for larger sources the optimal correlation distance gradually attains a constant value of about half the wavelength. A physical explanation based on interference is presented.

© 1986 Optical Society of America

Spatial correlations that maximize the radiation efficiency of three-dimensional primary sources

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