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 -parametrized quasiprobabilities. Furthermore, the Glauber-Sudarshan 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 function, in contrast to possible definitions in terms of other quasiprobabilities.
- Received 19 March 2013
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.87.062114
©2013 American Physical Society