Evaluating single-mode nonclassicality

Abstract

Quantifying nonclassicality of a bosonic mode is an important but challenge task in quantum optics. Recently, the first nonclassicality measure based on the concept of operational resource theory has been proposed [Phys. Rev. Research 2, 023400 (2020)], which shows several crucial properties as a resource for quantum metrology. Here we apply the measure to evaluate and categorize different classes of nonclassical states. We discover a class of states that can achieve the maximum nonclassicality in the asymptotic limit of large mean number of excitations. These states can provide the same sensitivity in place of a squeezed vacuum in a sensing scheme, e.g., the LIGO experiments. We also discover that the nonclassicality of certain states can be greatly improved with a single-photon addition. Besides, we explore some examples on how to evaluate analytically the nonclassicality of mixed states, which are in general difficult to calculate due to the convex roof nature of the measure. Our results will be useful for preparing and utilizing nonclassical states for applications in precision sensing tasks, such as quadrature sensing and phase sensing in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.