Polarization of light in classical and quantum optics: Concepts and applications

Conceptual and operational aspects of the description of the polarization of light in classical and quantum optics are discussed. Primary emphasis is placed on the concept of P-quasispin, which ensures an adequate analysis for arbitrary quantum light fields. In terms of this concept, the polarization density matrix, which is obtained by reduction of the total field density operator and which completely describes the polarization state of quantum radiation, as well as the operational (measured in polarization experiments) characteristics and the transformations of the polarization dynamics, are determined. Applications of the formalism developed to biphoton optics are discussed.