Focusing properties of a general-type beam in turbulent atmosphere

Based on the generalized Huygens–Fresnel integral, analytical propagation formulas for a general-type beam propagating through aligned or misaligned ABCD optical systems in turbulent atmosphere are derived. The derived formulas provide a convenient way for studying the focusing properties of a variety of laser beams, such as Gaussian, cos-Gaussian, cosh-Gaussian, sine-Gaussian, sinh-Gaussian, flat-topped, Hermite-cosh-Gaussian, Hermite-sine-Gaussian, higher-order annular Gaussian, Hermite-sinh-Gaussian and Hermite-cos-Gaussian beams in turbulent atmosphere. As an application example, the focused intensities of cos-Gaussian, Hermite-sine-Gaussian and flat-topped beams in turbulent atmosphere are studied numerically. Focal shift of a flat-topped beam in turbulent atmosphere is investigated. Effect of the misalignment of the thin lens on the focusing properties of a cos-Gaussian beam is also explored. Our results will be useful for the applications of the general-type beam in LIDAR systems and remote sensing operating in turbulent atmosphere, where optical elements such as aligned or misaligned thin lens are commonly encountered.