Classical and quantum-mechanical phase-space distributions

Thomas Kiesel
Phys. Rev. A 87, 062114 – Published 21 June 2013

Abstract

We examine the notion of nonclassicality in terms of quasiprobability distributions. In particular, we not only ask if a specific quasiprobability can be interpreted as a classical probability density, but we also require that characteristic features of classical electrodynamics are resembled. We show that the only quasiprobabilities that correctly describe the superposition principle of classical electromagnetic fields are the s-parametrized quasiprobabilities. Furthermore, the Glauber-Sudarshan P function is the only quantum-mechanical quasiprobability that is transformed at a classical attenuator in the same way as a classical probability distribution. This result strengthens the definition of nonclassicality in terms of the P function, in contrast to possible definitions in terms of other quasiprobabilities.

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  • Received 19 March 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.87.062114

©2013 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Thomas Kiesel

  • Arbeitsgruppe Quantenoptik, Institut für Physik, Universität Rostock, D-18051 Rostock, Germany

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Issue

Vol. 87, Iss. 6 — June 2013

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