Electromagnetic theory of optical coherence [Invited]

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Quantum Optics
• Electromagnetism

Background:

• Coherence theory for random, vector-valued optical fields is a significant area of research.
• Understanding these fields is crucial for advancements in optical interferometry and related technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate the foundations of electromagnetic coherence theory in both space-time and space-frequency domains.
• To explore connections between conventional polarization Stokes parameters and two-point coherence Stokes parameters.
• To address the measurement of coherence and polarization properties of random vector beams.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of electromagnetic coherence theory.
• Analysis of statistically stationary, two-component (paraxial) electric fields.
• Consideration of both classical and quantum-optical contexts.
• Investigation of nanoparticle scattering and two-photon absorption for measurements.

Main Results:

• Established fundamental connections between polarization and coherence Stokes parameters.
• Provided a theoretical framework for analyzing random vector optical fields.
• Addressed practical measurement techniques for coherence and polarization properties.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a comprehensive framework for electromagnetic coherence theory of random vector fields.
• Demonstrated the interrelation between polarization and coherence properties.
• Offers insights into measurement methodologies for characterizing these optical fields.