Nth-order multifrequency coherence functions: functional path integral approach

Abstract

A functional (or path) integral applicable to a broad class of randomly perturbed media is constructed for the nth_order multifrequency coherence function (a quantity intimately linked to nth_order pulse statistics). This path integral is subsequently carried out explicitly in the case of a nondispersive, deterministically homogeneous medium, with a simplified (quadratic) Kolmogorov spectrum, and a series of new results are derived. Special cases dealing with the two_frequency mutual coherence function for plane and beam pulsed waves are considered, and comparisons are made with previously reported findings.