description coherent state Overview
A coherent state is a specific quantum state of a harmonic oscillator exhibiting properties remarkably similar to classical expectations, minimizing uncertainty between position and momentum.
help coherent state FAQ
What is a coherent state in quantum mechanics?
A coherent state is a quantum state of the harmonic oscillator that behaves as much like a classical oscillator as quantum rules allow. It is an eigenstate of the annihilation operator, usually written with a complex amplitude alpha.
Why are coherent states important in quantum optics?
Coherent states describe the idealized quantum state of laser light more closely than a fixed-number photon state. They have Poissonian photon-number statistics, which is one reason they are central in quantum optics.
Does a coherent state minimize uncertainty?
Yes. A coherent state saturates the Heisenberg uncertainty relation for position and momentum, with equal balanced uncertainties in the usual harmonic oscillator quadratures.
How is a coherent state different from a Fock state?
A Fock state has an exact photon number, such as 0, 1, or 2 photons. A coherent state is a superposition of many number states and has a well-defined phase-like complex amplitude instead of a fixed photon count.
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