Analyzing spatial coherence using a single mobile field sensor

TL;DR

This paper derives a relationship between a single moving sensor's autocorrelation function and the source's intensity distribution, enabling aperture synthesis with a mobile sensor based on the Van Citter-Zernike theorem.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method to analyze spatial coherence using a single mobile sensor, extending the Van Citter-Zernike theorem to dynamic measurement scenarios.

Findings

Derived an expression linking autocorrelation to source intensity

Proposed a new approach for aperture synthesis with a single sensor

Potential applications in remote sensing and astronomical imaging

Abstract

According to the Van Citter-Zernike theorem the intensity distribution of a spatially incoherent source and the mutual coherence function of the light impinging on two wave sensors are related. It is the comparable relationship using a single mobile sensor moving at a certain velocity relative to the source which is calculated in this article. The autocorelation function of the electric field at the sensor contains information about the intensity distribution. This expression could be employed in aperture synthesis.