Lower bound on phase noise of classical states

Abstract

An uncertainty relation for the number and phase of a single-mode field state is derived. It is then used to find a lower bound on the phase noise of a classical state. Any state that violates this condition is nonclassical. An example of such a nonclassical state is presented. Because a nonclassical state can have less phase noise than a classical state with the same average photon number, nonclassical states can play a role in the measurement of small phase shifts.