Abstract

Equivalence theorems are known which provide conditions in which sources with different coherence properties will generate fields with the same angular distribution of the radiant intensity.^1,2 Another equivalence theorem for partially coherent sources is formulated; it provides conditions which ensure that 3-D primary sources with different coherence properties generate radiation fields that have identical spectra. The results are illustrated by describing sources of different coherence lengths, all of which produce the same far zone spectrum as a spatially completely incoherent source.

© 1988 Optical Society of America