Abstract

A novel concept for the description of the spatial coherence state of the optical field is introduced in the framework of the phase-space representation of the field, termed the structured spatial coherence support. It exhibits clear differences with the conventional coherence patch and spatial coherence region, and advantages (such as its individual accessibility and its representation by means of virtual point sources, for instance) that provide a robust basis for developing optimal algorithms for calculations and simulations. It also implies physical features that improve insight on the spatial coherence state of light.