Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1711.07994 · Physical Review A

Continuous phase-space representations for finite-dimensional quantum states and their tomography

Bálint Koczor, Robert Zeier, Steffen J. Glaser

Published Feb 18, 2020• 51 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Continuous phase spaces have become a powerful tool for describing, analyzing, and tomographically reconstructing quantum states in quantum optics and beyond. A plethora of these phase-space techniques are known, however a thorough understanding of their relations is still lacking for finite-dimensional quantum states. We present a unified approach to continuous phase-space representations which highlights their relations and tomography. The infinite-dimensional case from quantum optics is then recovered in the large-spin limit.

DOI
10.1103/physreva.101.022318

Related papers

On phase-space representations of spin systems and their relations to infinite-dimensional quantum states

Bálint Koczor

Classical phase spaces have been widely applied in physics, engineering, economics or biology. In this thesis, phase spaces of quantum systems are considered, which have become a powerful tool for describing, analyzing, and tomographically reconstructing quantum states. We provide a complete phase-space description of (coupled) spin systems including their time evolution, tomography, large-spin approximations and their infinite-dimensional limit, which recovers the well-known case of quantum optics. Finally, Born-Jordan distributions of infinite-dimensional quantum systems are described.

•Jan 1, 2019•5 citations

Classical and quantum-mechanical state reconstruction

F C Khanna, P A Mello, M Revzen

We review the problem of state reconstruction in classical and in quantum physics, which is rarely considered at the textbook level. We review a method for retrieving a classical state in phase space, similar to that used in medical imaging known as Computer Aided Tomography. We explain how this method can be taken over to quantum mechanics, where it leads to a description of the quantum state in terms of the Wigner function which, although may take on negative values, plays the role of the probability density in phase space in classical physics. We explain another approach to quantum state reconstruction based on the notion of Mutually Unbiased Bases, and indicate the relation between these two approaches. Both are for a continuous, infinite-dimensional Hilbert space. We then study the finite-dimensional case and show how the second method, based on Mutually Unbiased Bases, can be used for state reconstruction.

arXiv:1112.3164•European Journal of Physics•May 14, 2012•6 citations

Tomography on Continuous Variable Quantum States

Ludmila Botelho

In this work we have explored few tools in Quantum State Tomography for Continuous Variable Systems. The concept of quantum states in phase space representation is introduced in a simple manner by using a few statistical concepts. Unlike most texts of Quantum information in which the Wigner function for a single mode is often more used, in this text the multi-modes state Wigner function is also approached. Our numerical investigations indicate that the reconstructed method using back-projection add some error due the choice of cutoff frequency, therefore it is necessary to use data post-processing, like the semi-definite programs, which provides sufficient conditions correctly estimate the state. Once the information about the state is recovered, important features such as entanglement can also be investigated.

arXiv:1911.09648•Nov 18, 2019•0 citations

Phase Space Insights: Wigner Functions for Qubits and Beyond

Luis Lorenzo Sánchez-Soto, Ariana S. Muñoz, Pablo de la Hoz +2 more

Phase space methods, particularly Wigner functions, provide intuitive tools for representing and analyzing quantum states. We focus on systems with SU(2) dynamical symmetry, which naturally describes spin and a wide range of two-mode quantum models. We present a unified phase space framework tailored to these systems, highlighting its broad applicability in quantum optics, metrology, and information. After reviewing the core SU(2) phase-space formalism, we apply it to states designed for optimal quantum sensing, where their nonclassical features are clearly revealed in the Wigner representation. We then extend the approach to systems with an indefinite number of excitations, introducing a generalized framework that captures correlations across multiple SU(2)-invariant subspaces. These results offer practical tools for understanding both theoretical and experimental developments in quantum science.

Applied Sciences•May 6, 2025•6 citations

Time evolution of spin systems in a generalized Wigner representation

Bálint Koczor, Robert Zeier, Steffen J. Glaser

Phase-space representations as given by Wigner functions are a powerful tool for representing the quantum state and characterizing its time evolution in the case of infinite-dimensional quantum systems and have been widely used in quantum optics and beyond. However, much less is known for finite-dimensional quantum systems such as spin systems and we present a complete theory of Wigner functions for this finite-dimensional case. In particular, we provide a self-contained Wigner formalism for describing and predicting the time evolution of coupled spins which lends itself to visualizing the high-dimensional structure of multi-partite quantum states. We completely treat the case of an arbitrary number of spins 1/2, thereby establishing the equation of motion using Wigner functions. The explicit form of the time evolution is then calculated for up to three spins 1/2. The underlying physical principles of our Wigner representations are illustrated with multiple examples for coupled spin systems which are easily translatable to other experimental scenarios.

•Dec 20, 2016•1 citation

Continuous Measurement Quantum State Tomography of Atomic Ensembles

Carlos A. Riofrío

Quantum state tomography is a fundamental tool in quantum information processing. It allows us to estimate the state of a quantum system by measuring different observables on many identically prepared copies of the system. This is, in general, a very time-consuming task that requires a large number of measurements. There are, however, systems in which the data acquisition can be done more efficiently. In fact, an ensemble of quantum systems can be prepared and manipulated by external fields while being continuously and collectively probed, producing enough information to estimate its state. This provides a basis for continuous measurement quantum tomography. In this protocol, an ensemble of identically prepared systems is collectively probed and controlled in a time-dependent manner to create an informationally complete continuous measurement record. The measurement history is then inverted to determine the state at the initial time. We use two different estimation methods: maximum likelihood and compressed sensing. The general formalism is applied to the case of reconstruction of the quantum state encoded in the magnetic sub-levels of a large-spin alkali atom, ${}^{133}$Cs. We apply this protocol to the case of reconstruction of states in the full 16-dimensional electronic-ground subspace ($F=3 \oplus F=4$), controlled by microwaves and radio-frequency magnetic fields. We present an experimental demonstration of continuous measurement quantum tomography in an ensemble of cold cesium atoms with full control of its 16-dimensional Hilbert space. We show the exquisite level of control achieved in the lab and the excellent agreement between the theory discussed in this dissertation and the experimental results. This allows us to achieve fidelities >95% for low complexity quantum states, and >92% for arbitrary random states, which is a formidable accomplishment for a space of this size.

arXiv:1111.5627•Nov 23, 2011•2 citations
Continuous phase spaces have become a powerful tool for describing, analyzing, and tomographically reconstructing quantum states in quantum optics and beyond. A plethora of these phase-space techniques are known, however a thorough understanding of their relations is still lacking for finite-dimensional quantum states. We present a unified approach to continuous phase-space representations which highlights their relations and tomography. The infinite-dimensional case from quantum optics is then recovered in the large-spin limit.
Classical phase spaces have been widely applied in physics, engineering, economics or biology. In this thesis, phase spaces of quantum systems are considered, which have become a powerful tool for describing, analyzing, and tomographically reconstructing quantum states. We provide a complete phase-space description of (coupled) spin systems including their time evolution, tomography, large-spin approximations and their infinite-dimensional limit, which recovers the well-known case of quantum optics. Finally, Born-Jordan distributions of infinite-dimensional quantum systems are described.
We review the problem of state reconstruction in classical and in quantum physics, which is rarely considered at the textbook level. We review a method for retrieving a classical state in phase space, similar to that used in medical imaging known as Computer Aided Tomography. We explain how this method can be taken over to quantum mechanics, where it leads to a description of the quantum state in terms of the Wigner function which, although may take on negative values, plays the role of the probability density in phase space in classical physics. We explain another approach to quantum state reconstruction based on the notion of Mutually Unbiased Bases, and indicate the relation between these two approaches. Both are for a continuous, infinite-dimensional Hilbert space. We then study the finite-dimensional case and show how the second method, based on Mutually Unbiased Bases, can be used for state reconstruction.
In this work we have explored few tools in Quantum State Tomography for Continuous Variable Systems. The concept of quantum states in phase space representation is introduced in a simple manner by using a few statistical concepts. Unlike most texts of Quantum information in which the Wigner function for a single mode is often more used, in this text the multi-modes state Wigner function is also approached. Our numerical investigations indicate that the reconstructed method using back-projection add some error due the choice of cutoff frequency, therefore it is necessary to use data post-processing, like the semi-definite programs, which provides sufficient conditions correctly estimate the state. Once the information about the state is recovered, important features such as entanglement can also be investigated.
Phase space methods, particularly Wigner functions, provide intuitive tools for representing and analyzing quantum states. We focus on systems with SU(2) dynamical symmetry, which naturally describes spin and a wide range of two-mode quantum models. We present a unified phase space framework tailored to these systems, highlighting its broad applicability in quantum optics, metrology, and information. After reviewing the core SU(2) phase-space formalism, we apply it to states designed for optimal quantum sensing, where their nonclassical features are clearly revealed in the Wigner representation. We then extend the approach to systems with an indefinite number of excitations, introducing a generalized framework that captures correlations across multiple SU(2)-invariant subspaces. These results offer practical tools for understanding both theoretical and experimental developments in quantum science.
Phase-space representations as given by Wigner functions are a powerful tool for representing the quantum state and characterizing its time evolution in the case of infinite-dimensional quantum systems and have been widely used in quantum optics and beyond. However, much less is known for finite-dimensional quantum systems such as spin systems and we present a complete theory of Wigner functions for this finite-dimensional case. In particular, we provide a self-contained Wigner formalism for describing and predicting the time evolution of coupled spins which lends itself to visualizing the high-dimensional structure of multi-partite quantum states. We completely treat the case of an arbitrary number of spins 1/2, thereby establishing the equation of motion using Wigner functions. The explicit form of the time evolution is then calculated for up to three spins 1/2. The underlying physical principles of our Wigner representations are illustrated with multiple examples for coupled spin systems which are easily translatable to other experimental scenarios.
Quantum state tomography is a fundamental tool in quantum information processing. It allows us to estimate the state of a quantum system by measuring different observables on many identically prepared copies of the system. This is, in general, a very time-consuming task that requires a large number of measurements. There are, however, systems in which the data acquisition can be done more efficiently. In fact, an ensemble of quantum systems can be prepared and manipulated by external fields while being continuously and collectively probed, producing enough information to estimate its state. This provides a basis for continuous measurement quantum tomography. In this protocol, an ensemble of identically prepared systems is collectively probed and controlled in a time-dependent manner to create an informationally complete continuous measurement record. The measurement history is then inverted to determine the state at the initial time. We use two different estimation methods: maximum likelihood and compressed sensing. The general formalism is applied to the case of reconstruction of the quantum state encoded in the magnetic sub-levels of a large-spin alkali atom, 133{}^{133}133Cs. We apply this protocol to the case of reconstruction of states in the full 16-dimensional electronic-ground subspace (F=3⊕F=4F=3 \oplus F=4F=3⊕F=4), controlled by microwaves and radio-frequency magnetic fields. We present an experimental demonstration of continuous measurement quantum tomography in an ensemble of cold cesium atoms with full control of its 16-dimensional Hilbert space. We show the exquisite level of control achieved in the lab and the excellent agreement between the theory discussed in this dissertation and the experimental results. This allows us to achieve fidelities >95% for low complexity quantum states, and >92% for arbitrary random states, which is a formidable accomplishment for a space of this size.