In this thesis, we investigate the propagation of some coherent and partially coherent laser beams, including a dark hollow beam (DHB), an elliptical Gaussian beam (EGB), a flat-topped beam and a twisted anisotropic Gaussian Schell-model (TAGSM) beam, through a paraxial optical system or a turbulent atmosphere. Several theoretical models are proposed to describe a DHB of circular or non-circular symmetry. Approximate analytical formulas for a DHB and a partially coherent TAGSM beam propagating through an apertured paraxial optical system are derived based on the generalized Collins formula. Analytical formulas for a DHB, an EGB, a flat-topped beam and a partially coherent TAGSM beam propagating in a turbulent atmosphere are derived in a tensor form based on the extended Huygens-Fresnel integral formula. It is found that after a long propagation distance these beams become circular Gaussian beams in a turbulent atmosphere, and this is quite different from their propagation properties in free space. The conversion of any of these beams to a circular Gaussian beam becomes quicker and the beam spot in the far field spreads more rapidly for a larger structure constant of the turbulent atmosphere, a shorter wavelength and a smaller waist size of the initial beam. Lower coherence and larger twist have a stronger effect of anti-circularization of the beam spot. Our analytical formulas provide a convenient way for studying the propagation of various laser beams through a paraxial optical system or a turbulent atmosphere. The concept of coincidence fractional Fourier transform (FRT) with an incoherent or partially coherent beam is introduced, and the optical system for its implementation is designed. The coincidence FRT is demonstrated experimentally with a partially coherent beam, and the experimental results are consistent with the theoretical results. / QC 20100831