SU(3) symmetry operational approach to measuring amplitude and phase parameters for an optical field

We consider a new approach to the SU(3) symmetry polarization in Hilbert space for a quantum-optical Bose system with internal Gell-Mann symmetry. The operational determination of the SU(3) amplitude and phase characteristics for a three-mode optical field is discussed for the first time. An original twelve-port interferometer for simultaneous measurements of both the Gell-Mann and the phase parameters is proposed. The quantum properties of various W-class qutrit states under the measurement procedure for quantum information purposes are examined.