Partially coherent multiple-beam interference

The general formula for multiple-beam interference due to regular slit arrays illuminated with partially coherent quasi-monochromatic light is derived. The correlation functions chosen for partially coherent light assume Gaussian, sinc and besinc forms of correlation. The intensity distribution in the interference patterns is presented and discussed as a function of the spatial coherence condition. It is shown that spatial coherence of the illumination largely affects the features of multiple-beam interference patterns.