Tailorable Spatial-Correlation Landscapes via Chirped Disorder Phase Modulation at Source

Abstract

Spatial correlation is a fundamental attribute of laser emission, yet existing laser platforms generally permit only beam-averaged or spatially uniform control of the coherence-related field correlations. Here, we demonstrate at-source generation of tailorable spatial-correlation landscapes in a degenerate-cavity laser using chirped disorder phase modulation. Rather than tuning the beam globally, our approach enables position-dependent engineering of local field correlation characteristics through controlled intracavity phase disorder. Experimentally, we generate a variety of beams with predesigned inhomogeneous correlation distributions, allowing region-selective modulation across distinct spatial zones within a single laser cavity. These results extend the description of laser field correlations beyond the conventional beam-averaged picture toward a spatially resolved framework. The demonstrated platform provides a versatile route for advanced optical imaging, statistical optics, optical turbulence, and studies of disorder and many-body physics.