Quantum-Stokes-Parameter Description of Nonclassical Polarimetric Measurements Using Two-Polarization-Mode Fock States
Kazuyuki Muroo, Yoshitaka Takubo · Japanese Journal of Applied Physics · 2008
We show that the quantum Stokes parameters aptly describe the nonclassical two-polarization-mode Fock states and the transformation of their polarization states. In this description, the two-polarization-mode Fock states are the simultaneous eigenstates of the first and second Stokes parameters. Transformations of the polarization states, which are caused, for example, by optically active media, are described by the rotations in the Stokes vector space, which are given by unitary operators generated from the Hermitian Stokes parameters. The SU(2) symmetry of the Stokes parameters provides two independent degrees of freedom of polarimetric measurements that can exceed the standard quantum limit.