Maximal coherence and degree of polarization in linear optical systems*

Coherence properties of light are known to change upon propagation in linear optical systems [1-4]. Here, we study coherence properties of classical light using convenient techniques from Matrix Algebra. We apply those techniques, first, to a set up of a Young's Interference Expriment, finding maximal coherence properties, such as those pertaining to polarization and which-path distinguishibility. Second, we find the maximal polarization obtainable of a partially coherent beam propagating in space [5].

[1] P. H. van Cittert, Physica 1, 201 (1934).
[2] E. Wolf, Introduction to the Theory of Coherence and Polarization of Light (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2007).
[3] E. Wolf, Nature 326, 363 (1987).
[4] D. F. V. James, J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 11, no. 5, 1641 (1994).
[5] A. Al-Qasimi and D. F. V. James, J. Mod. Optics (submitted).