Vortex array embedded in a partially coherent beam.

Method of generating a vortex array embedded in a partially coherent beam is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The vortex array exists in the complex coherence function of a random field arising due to interference of three independent coherence functions with appropriate phase profiles. Existence of the vortex array is confirmed by presenting amplitude and phase distributions of the complex coherence function. The phase structure of the complex coherence function, embedded with a vortex array, is obtained by interfering it with an independent fourth coherence function known as a reference and applying the Fourier fringe analysis technique to the cross-covariance of the intensity of the resultant random field.