Multi-headed symmetrical superpositions of coherent states

Abstract

Based on N different coherent states with equal weights and phase-space rotation symmetry, we introduce N-headed incoherent superposition states (NHICSSs) and N-headed coherent superposition states (NHCSSs). These N coherent states are associated with N-order roots of the same complex number. We study and compare properties of NHICSSs and NHCSSs, including average photon number, Mandel Q parameter, quadrature squeezing, Fock matrix elements and Wigner function. Among all these states, only 2HCSS (i.e., Schrodinger cat state) presents quadrature-squeezing effect. Our theoretical results can be used as a reference for researchers in this field.

7 pages, 10 figures