The role of the Riemann-Silberstein vector in classical and quantum   theories of electromagnetism
  It is shown that the use of the Riemann-Silberstein (RS) vector greatly simplifies the description of the electromagnetic field both in the classical domain and in the quantum domain. In this review we describe many specific examples where this vector enables one to significantly shorten the derivations and make them more transparent. We also argue why the RS vector may be considered as the best possible choice for the photon wave function. 
Iwo Bialynicki-Birula and Zofia Bialynicka-Birula
physics.class-ph quant-ph