Quantum–classical analogy in structured light

Quantum–classical analogy reveals the shared mathematical framework and dynamical physical behaviors between quantum and classical systems. This work reviews structured light as a versatile platform for realizing such analogies. Theoretical mappings between quantum states and optical modes are summarized, followed by representative cases including entanglement state, cat state, coherent state, and squeezed state, where quantum features are emulated through tailored amplitude, phase, and polarization structures. Applications in quantum-inspired communication, teleportation, random walks, and billiard are further discussed. This work provides a systematic overview of the connections between quantum phenomena and classical optics and offers methodological guidance for future photonic implementations.