Quantum-to-classical transition with single-photon-added coherent states of light

Year: 2004

Authors: Zavatta A., Viciani S., Bellini M.

Autors Affiliation: Istituto Nazionale di Ottica Applicata, Largo E. Fermi 6, 50125 Firenze, Italy;
European Laboratory for Nonlinear Spectroscopy (LENS) and Department of Physics, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

Abstract: Single-photon-added coherent states are the result of the most elementary amplification process of classical light fields by a single quantum of excitation. Being intermediate between a single-photon Fock state (fully quantum-mechanical) and a coherent (classical) one, these states offer the opportunity to closely follow the smooth transition between the particle-like and the wavelike behavior of tight. We report the experimental generation of single-photon-added coherent states and their complete characterization by quantum tomography. Besides visualizing the evolution of the quantum-to-classical transition, these states allow one to witness the gradual change from the spontaneous to the stimulated regimes of light emission.

Journal/Review: SCIENCE

Volume: 306 ( 5696)      Pages from: 660  to: 662

KeyWords: amplification; light emission; photons; quantum optics; quantum theory; tomography, coherent states; Fock states; quantum tomography; stimulated regimes, coherent light, physics, article; electromagnetic field; light; photon; priority journal; quantum mechanics; waveform
DOI: 10.1126/science.1103190

Citations: 585
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