The quantum beam splitter revisited without a vacuum state

Abstract

In this article we explain in a new light two fundamental concepts ofquantum optics, the quantum beam splitter and the quantum interferometer, in termsof two state quantum wave functions. This method is consistent with the concept ofentanglement, and hence the algebra needed to describe them is reduced to additionsand products of the components of the quantum states. Furthermore, under thepremises of this method it is possible to study quantum states of greater complexity,like those arising from the addition and products of single photon states.