Comparison between the classical and quantum theories of optical coherence

The comparison between the classical and quantum theories of optical coherence is presented by using an idea used in the problems of modulation of light beams of classical fields. In such problems it is assumed that it is possible to vary the mean light intensity of a beam without changing its statistical properties defined by a set of coherence functions. We generalize this idea and introduce precisely the class of optical fields which are consistent for modulation. It is shown that all the quantum fields of this class have a positive $P$ representation and are strictly equivalent to classical fields. Moreover, when the field is assumed to be stationary, an interpretation of this condition is given which in particular makes precise the relations between photon-counting and light-intensity measurements. Finally it is shown that all the quantum fields without $P$ representation cannot be consistent for modulation, and the condition of consistency for modulation appears as a characteristic property of fields strictly equivalent to classical ones.