On the polarization of non-Gaussian optical quantum field: Higher-order optical-polarization Original Research Article

Polarization of light signifies transversal, anisotropic and asymmetrical statistical properties of electromagnetic radiation about the direction of propagation. Traditionally, optical-polarization is characterized by Stokes’ theory susceptible to be insufficient in assessing the polarization structure of optical quantum fields and, also, does not decipher the twin characteristic polarization parameters (‘ratio of real amplitudes and difference in phases’). An alternative way, in the spirit of classical description of optical-polarization, is introduced which can be generalized to deal higher-order polarization of quantum light, particularly, prepared in non-Gaussian Schrodinger Cat or Cat-like states and entangled bi-modal coherent states. On account of pseudo mono-modal or multi-modal nature of such optical quantum field, higher-order polarization is seen to be highly sensitive to the basis of description.