Quantum Rayleigh scattering cannot be different from classical one except that there is one photon involved. Typically, the polarization state vector is not much affected for either for multi-photon packet or single photon packet.

Thanks Nikolay,

I am familiar with quantum Rayleigh spontaneous and stimulated emissions.

Do you agree that a single photon cannot propagate in a straight line inside a dielectric medium?

This assumption underpins the theory of quantum optics but is physically impossible.

Andre X Vatarescu In terms of Rayleigh scattering we would see either single photon or multiphoton packet approximated as 'flat wave' still propagating in straight line however gradually losing amplitude to omnidirectional scattering (in case of circular polarization).

Another thing is turbulence (density fluctuations) e.g. what we typically see in outdoor air. E.g. as I saw experimentally if you have atmospheric laser link running for a couple km distance you may see that different 'rays' arrive with time difference (path difference) up to a fraction of mm delta = 0.5mm. You see it via impact from small but instant switching of laser wavelength. For distance of L =2 Km it corresponds to side deviation (effective width of propagation channel) of approx d = sqrt ( L *delta) = 1 meter. It is counter-intuitive but gives estimate how much thickness of air is involved in 'straight line propagation' in atmosphere.

It is the stimulated Rayleigh emission that recaptures a photon absorbed by an oscillating electric dipole, thereby enabling most of the photons in the beam to propagate in a straight line.

When only one photon is involved, the spontaneous emission by the electric dipole sends the emitted photon in any possible direction so that one single photon zigzags from one dipole to another.