The Wiener Khinchin Theorem for chaotic light

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Wiener Khinchin theorem and its application to chaotic light, specifically in the context of homework problem 4. The theorem states that the normalized spectral power density can be derived from the autocorrelation function of the electric field, represented mathematically as $$F(\vec{r},\omega) = \frac{1}{2 \pi} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} g^{(1)}(\vec{r},t) e^{i \omega \tau} d \tau$$. Participants clarify the distinction between the Fourier transform of a plane wave and its autocorrelation, noting that the former yields a delta function while the latter results in a sinc function. The conversation also touches on the implications of additive noise on the Fourier transform and autocorrelation results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Wiener Khinchin theorem
  • Familiarity with Fourier transforms and autocorrelation functions
  • Knowledge of electrical field representations in physics
  • Concept of spectral power density in chaotic light
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of the Wiener Khinchin theorem
  • Explore the implications of additive noise on spectral analysis
  • Learn about the relationship between Fourier transforms and autocorrelation functions
  • Investigate collision broadening of spectral lines in chaotic light contexts
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying optics or signal processing who are interested in the analysis of chaotic light and spectral power density.

Wminus
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Homework Statement



It's problem 4:[/B]
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12004675_10206509414950788_2644752353357758096_n.jpg?oh=e6292fae7cdc34b881c7ac31a506e315&oe=56680268

Homework Equations



The Wiener Khinchin theorem gives that the normalized spectral power density (I assume this is what my professor means with "normalized spectral distribution function") is found from: $$F(\vec{r},\omega) = \frac{1}{2 \pi} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} g^{(1)}(\vec{r},t) e^{i \omega \tau} d \tau$$ where $$g^{(1)}(\vec{r},t) = \frac{<E^*(\vec{r},t)E(\vec{r},t+\tau)>}{<E^*(\vec{r},t)E(\vec{r},t)>}$$.The <> brackets denote taking the mean of the electrical field ##E## over a period ##T##which is much larger than the coherence time.

The Attempt at a Solution


Problem 4:
Hey all. I'm a bit confused by the wording of this problem. What exactly is my professor asking for? The Wiener Khinchin theorem is BASED on using the Fourier transform of the E field to get to the spectral power density... But he is saying now that this Fourier transform and the W-K theorem give different results??
 
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Sorry was a bit unclear in the OP; the <> brackets denote taking means/autocorrelations of expressions that include the electrical field ##E##.
 
I think you might understand the issue if you compare the Fourier transform of a plane wave, which is a delta function, with the autocorrelation of a plane wave (i.e. sinc funtion).
 
Fred Wright said:
I think you might understand the issue if you compare the Fourier transform of a plane wave, which is a delta function, with the autocorrelation of a plane wave (i.e. sinc funtion).
What do you mean? The autocorrelation of a plane wave ## e^{i \omega t}## is another plane wave. $$<E^*(\vec{r},t) E(\vec{r},t+\tau)> = <e^{i \omega \tau}> = e^{i \omega \tau}$$
 
Dear Wminus,
I appologize for my nonsence. I think that if you consider a plane wave with additive noise, the Fourier transform will contain all the frequency components of the noise but the Fourier transform of the autocorrelation function will not.
 
Fred Wright said:
Dear Wminus,
I appologize for my nonsence. I think that if you consider a plane wave with additive noise, the Fourier transform will contain all the frequency components of the noise but the Fourier transform of the autocorrelation function will not.

No problem. And yeah I ended up using this kind of argument in my answer. I used the collision broadening of spectral lines as my example.
 

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