Non-uniformly correlated partially coherent beams and pulses

In this work we theoretically study the possibilities for controlling the propagation of beams and pulses by modifying their coherence distributions. Theoretical models for partially coherent fields that have non-uniform coherence functions instead of the typical Schell-model correlations are introduced and the propagation of the fields is studied by numerical simulations for example cases. It is shown that extraordinary propagation-induced changes, such as self-focusing and laterally shifted intensity maxima, can be obtained with suitable initial coherence distributions. Our results imply that tailoring of the coherence properties could offer a novel alternative way to shape and control optical fields.