Quantum optics and classical optics have coexisted for nearly a century
as two descriptions of light, self-consistent in their respective
domains. Recently, detailed examinations have revealed that effects
thought to be solely quantum in origin have a place in classical optics.
Interference, polarization, coherence, and even entanglement are
notions that belong to both quantum and classical optics. A common
target in discussions of these matters has often been Niels Bohr's
pronouncements and explanations of "complementarity". These have
intrigued and challenged philosophers as well as scientists since Bohr's
first lecture on the topic in 1927. Complementarity remains the center
of the landscape surrounding de Broglie's proposal of particle-wave
duality, and interpretive conflicts are still alive. It seems to have
escaped notice that a key element in Bohr's own defining summary has
never been captured in assessments to date. Here we engage this element
and report what we believe to be the first description of
complementarity that is unambiguously and quantitatively complete, along
with its experimental demonstration.