Correlation, coherence and context

The modern theory of coherence is based on correlation functions. A generic example could be written < V*(t(1))V(t(2))>, denoting an average of products of the values of a signal V(t) at two specified times. Here we infer that t is a degree of freedom that the signal depends on. Typically, physical variables depend on more than one degree of freedom, and recognition of this has prompted attention to some interesting questions for the correlation functions and the several coherences that can be attributed to the same optical field. We examine some of the questions arising from the standpoint of experimental contexts. Degree of polarizability and degree of entanglement (classical non-separability) can serve as starting points for quantitative assignments.