SU(2) symmetry of coherent photons and application to Poincaré rotator

Frontiers in Physics

Physics

Shinichi Saito¹ 

[1] null;

关键词: Stokes parameters;    Poincaré sphere;    polarisation;    spin angular momentum;    SU(2);    coherent state;    Poincaré rotator;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fphy.2023.1225419

 received in 2023-05-19, accepted in 2023-06-23,  发布年份 2023

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Lie algebra is a hidden mathematical structure behind various quantum systems realised in nature. Here, we consider SU(2) wavefunctions for polarisation states of coherent photons emitted from a laser source, and discuss the relationship to spin expectation values with SO(3) symmetry based on isomorphism theorems. In particular, we found rotated half-wave-plates correspond to mirror reflections in the Poincaré sphere, which do not form a subgroup in the projected O(2) plane due to anti-hermitian property. This could be overcome experimentally by preparing another half-wave-plate to realise a pristine rotator in SU(2), which allows arbitrary rotation angles determined by the physical rotation. By combining another 2 quarter-wave-plates, we could also construct a genuine phase-shifter, thus, realising passive control over the full Poincaré sphere.

【 授权许可】

Unknown   
Copyright © 2023 Saito.