Two-dimensional isotropic harmonic oscillator approach to classical and quantum Stokes parameters

We show that the well-known Stokes operators, defined as elements of the Jordan–Schwinger map with the Pauli matrices of two independent bosons, are equal to the constants of motion of the two-dimensional isotropic harmonic oscillator. Taking the expectation value of the Stokes operators in a two-mode coherent state, we obtain the corresponding classical Stokes parameters. We show that this classical limit of the Stokes operators, the 2 × 2 unit matrix and the Pauli matrices may be used to expand the polarization matrix. Finally, by means of the constants of motion of the classical two-dimensional isotropic harmonic oscillator, we describe the geometric properties of the polarization ellipse. Our study is restricted to the case of a monochromatic quantized-plane electromagnetic wave that propagates along the z axis.PACS Nos.: 42.50.–p, 42.25.Ja, 11.30.–j