Realization of number-phase minimum-uncertainty states and number states by quantum nondemolition measurement

Abstract

Number-phase minimum uncertainty states and number states are shown to be realized by quantum nondemolition measurements of the photon number. Interphase modulation in a Kerr medium establishes a quantum-mechanical correlation between the signal and probe waves initially in coherent states. State reduction is realized by homodyne detection of a probe quadrature-phase amplitude. The number uncertainty can be arbitrarily reduced by increasing the probe intensity. The minimum uncertainty relation between the number and sine operators approximately holds until a near-number state is realized. © 1987 The American Physical Society.