Laguerre 2D-functions and their application in quantum optics

Abstract

A set of orthonormalized and complete functions of two real variables in complex representation involving Laguerre polynomials as a substantial part is introduced and is referred to as the set of Laguerre two-dimensional (2D) functions. The properties of the set of Laguerre 2D-functions are discussed and the Fourier and Radon transforms of these functions are calculated. The Laguerre 2D-functions form a basis for a realization of the five-dimensional Lie algebra to the Heisenberg-Weyl group for a two-mode system. Real representation of this set of functions by a sum over products of Hermite functions involving Jacobi polynomials at the zero argument as coefficients is derived and it leads to new connections between Laguerre and Hermite polynomials in both directions. The set of Laguerre 2D-functions is the most appropriate set of functions for the Fock-state representation of quasi-probabilities in quantum optics. The Wigner quasi-probability in Fock-state representation is up to a factor and an argument scaling directly given for each matrix element by a corresponding Laguerre 2D-function. The properties of orthonormality and completeness of the Laguerre 2D-functions provide the Fock-state matrix elements of the density operator directly from the quasi-probabilities. The Perina-Mista representation of the Glauber-Sudarshan quasi-probability can be represented with advantage by the Laguerre 2D-functions. The Fock-state matrix elements of the displacement operator and the scalar product of displaced Fock states are closely related to Laguerre 2D-functions.