Quantum polarimeter for measurement of nonclassical polarization states of light

Abstract

In our paper we consider the behavior of both the Hermitian (observable) Stokes parameters of light and the phases difference that describes the polarization state of optical field. In general case we introduce two pairs of phase operators associated with the phase angles in 3D picture for the polarization Stokes parameters of light on the Poincare sphere. The special eight-port polarization interferometer is presented for simultaneous homodyne detection of both the Stokes parameters of light and the polarization phases and also of their fluctuations. It is shown that an anisotropic (spatio-periodically) Kerr-like nonlinear medium placed in the polarization interferometer can be used for generation and observation of the polarization-squeezed phase states of light.