Testing the Coherent State Description of Radiation Fields

Abstract

We propose simple quantitative criteria, based on counting statistics in resonant harmonic detectors, that probe the quantum mechanical character of radiation fields. They provide, in particular, practical means to test the null hypothesis that a given field is ``maximally classical'', i.e., accurately described by a coherent state. We suggest circumstances in which that hypothesis plausibly fails, notably including gravitational radiation involving non-linear or stochastic sourcing.

13 pages, 0 figures. Published version, Physical Review A. No substantive changes, but note change of title and additional references