Self-splitting and propagation factors of a superimposed Hermite-Gaussian correlated Schell-model beam in turbulent atmosphere

A novel type of superimposed Hermite-Gaussian correlated Schell-model (SHGCSM) laser beam is first represented in terms of theory and then produced experimentally. Similar to a Hermite-Gaussian correlated Schell-model (HGCSM) beam, the SHGCSM beam demonstrates self-splitting features when it propagates in free space, over time the primary single beam spot that is initially seen gradually develops into four or two beam spots when it is in the far-field. The SHGCSM beam splits itself faster than the HGCSM beam when the other beam parameters are fixed, which has lower intensity at the center of beam at an intermediate distance. The four or two spots are more independent with each other, which can be used in attacking multiple targets. Compared with the propagation M2-factor of the HGCSM [Opt. Express 23, 10 (2015)], it has a lower propagation M2-factor in the non-Kolmogorov turbulence. The SHGCSM beam is unaltered to a lesser extent by turbulence compared with a HGCSM beam, which is beneficial for studies on atmospheric optical communications.