Wigner Functions For Systems Research Articles

Wigner function for SU(1,1)

In spite of their potential usefulness, Wigner functions for systems with SU(1,1) symmetry have not been explored thus far. We address this problem from a physically-motivated perspective, with an eye towards applications in modern metrology. Starting from two independent modes, and after getting rid of the irrelevant degrees of freedom, we derive in a consistent way a Wigner distribution for SU(1,1). This distribution appears as the expectation value of the displaced parity operator, which suggests a direct way to experimentally sample it. We show how this formalism works in some relevant examples.Dedication: While this manuscript was under review, we learnt with great sadness of the untimely passing of our colleague and friend Jonathan Dowling. Through his outstanding scientific work, his kind attitude, and his inimitable humor, he leaves behind a rich legacy for all of us. Our work on SU(1,1) came as a result of long conversations during his frequent visits to Erlangen. We dedicate this paper to his memory.

Quantum distributions for localized quantum states

The principle of ergodicity of the quantum theory has been used for elaboration of a new technique for numerical simulation of the Wigner function of open dissipative quantum systems. With this purpose the density matrix of a quantum system is represented via averaging over the ensemble of quantum states in time intervals instead of averaging over the ensemble of stochastic variables. It is shown that this approach leads to new approximate expressions for quantum distributions in the phase space, in particular, Wigner functions for systems localized in the region of classical phase trajectories. As an application, the Wigner functions are calculated for the process of intracavity second harmonic generation in the region of Hopf bifurcations.