Polarization of Light: In Classical, Quantum, and Nonlinear Optics (De Gruyter Textbook)

This book starts with the description of polarization in classical optics, including also a chapter on crystal optics, which is necessary to understand the use of nonlinear crystals. In addition, spatially non-uniform polarization states are introduced and described. Further, the role of polarization in nonlinear optics is discussed. The final chapters are devoted to the description and applications of polarization in quantum optics and quantum technologies. Contents 1 Introduction 2 Necessary basics 3 Polarization of light: classical description 4 Optics of crystals: basic concepts 5 Polarization transformations 6 Geometric phase 7 Structured light 8 Polarization of light at the nanoscale 9 Polarization elements that we use in the lab 10 Polarization in nonlinear optics 11 Quantum description of polarization 12 Nonclassical states of polarized light 13 Applications of quantum polarization states Index