Phase Space Structure of Generalized Gaussian Cat States
Abstract
We analyze generalized Gaussian cat states obtained by superposing arbitrary Gaussian states, e.g., a coherent state and a squeezed state. The Wigner functions of such states exhibit the typical pair of Gaussian hills plus an interference term which presents a novel structure, as compared with the standard superposition of coherent states (degenerate case). We prove that, in any dimensions, the structure of the interference term is characterized by a particular quadratic form; in one degree of freedom the phase is hyperbolic. This phase-space structure survives the action of a thermal reservoir. We also discuss certain superpositions of {\em mixed} Gaussian states generated by conditional Gaussian operations or Kerr-type dynamics on thermal states.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1002.2248,
title = {Phase Space Structure of Generalized Gaussian Cat States},
author = {Fernando Nicacio and Raphael N. P. Maia and Fabricio Toscano and Raul O. Vallejos},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1002.2248},
year = {2015}
}
Comments
12 pages, 6 figures, submitted to Physical Review A