Journal of Optics B Quantum and Semiclassical Optics
Preparation of coherent-state superpositions and measurement of the Wigner function for the motion of two trapped ions
Shi‐Biao Zheng
Abstract
We propose a scheme for generating superpositions of coherent states for both the centre-of-mass and relative vibrational modes of two trapped ions. In the proposed scheme two trapped ions are driven by two laser beams dispersively tuned to the first lower- and upper-vibrational sideband transitions, respectively. Under certain conditions, the measurement of the internal states leaves one vibrational mode in a superposition of two coherent states. Entangled coherent states for these two vibrational modes can also be generated. The scheme can be used to measure the Wigner function of one vibrational mode given that the other mode is initially in the vacuum state.