Non-gaussian speckle with correlated weak scatterers: a computer simulation

Non-Gaussian statistics of speckle patterns produced by partially correlated weak phase variations are studied using a computer simulation. The probability distributions of the complex speckle amplitude are obtained and plotted three-dimensionally as a function of phase properties (rms optical path fluctuation and the correlation length) and the distribution of light illuminating the phase variation. The real and imaginary parts of the complex amplitude are seen to have different probability distribution functions. The statistics of the speckle intensity and the phase are also shown.