Experimental observation of the polarization coherence theorem

Area of Science:

• * Optics and Photonics
• * Quantum Information Science

Background:

• * Coherence describes correlations between electric field components at different space-time points in light fields.
• * Polarization describes correlations between orthogonal electric field components at a single space-time point.
• * The relationship between coherence and polarization has been a fundamental question in optics.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To experimentally demonstrate the recently proposed polarization coherence theorem (PCT).
• * To investigate the interconnection between polarization and coherence in classical light fields.
• * To validate the PCT equation: P²=V²+D², where P is polarization, V is interference visibility (coherence measure), and D is distinguishability (which-path information).

Main Methods:

• * Utilization of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
• * Employing a synthesized light source capable of producing a full range of polarization states.
• * Direct observation and measurement of polarization, interference visibility, and distinguishability.

Main Results:

• * Successful experimental verification of the polarization coherence theorem (PCT) for classical light.
• * Demonstration of the relationship P²=V²+D² using optical measurements.
• * Observation across a complete gamut of degrees of polarization.

Conclusions:

• * The experimental validation of the PCT provides a direct link between polarization and coherence.
• * This work supports the principle of complementarity in the context of light.
• * The findings may encourage further research into hidden coherences and quantum-like features in classical light.