Vector-light quantum complementarity and the degree of polarization
Norrman A, Friberg AT, Leuchs G (2020)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2020
Journal
Book Volume: 7
Pages Range: 93-97
Journal Issue: 2
Abstract
The dual wave–particle nature of light and the degree of polarization are fundamental concepts in quantum physics and optical science, but their exact relation has not been explored within a full vector-light quantum framework that accounts for interferometric polarization modulation. Here, we consider vector-light quantum complementarity in double-pinhole photon interference and derive a general link between the degree of polarization and wave–particle duality of light. The relation leads to an interpretation for the degree of polarization as a measure describing the complementarity strength between photon path predictability and so-called Stokes visibility, the latter taking into account both intensity and polarization variations in the observation plane. It also unifies results advanced in classical studies by showing that the degree of polarization can be viewed as the ability of a light beam to exhibit intensity and polarization-state fringes. The framework we establish thus provides novel aspects and deeper insights into the role of the degree of polarization in quantum-light complementarity and photon interference.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Max-Planck-Institut für die Physik des Lichts (MPL) / Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
Germany (DE)
University of Eastern Finland
Finland (FI)
Germany (DE)
University of Eastern Finland
Finland (FI)
How to cite
APA:
Norrman, A., Friberg, A.T., & Leuchs, G. (2020). Vector-light quantum complementarity and the degree of polarization. Optica, 7(2), 93-97. https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTICA.7.000093
MLA:
Norrman, Andreas, Ari T. Friberg, and Gerd Leuchs. "Vector-light quantum complementarity and the degree of polarization." Optica 7.2 (2020): 93-97.
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