Quantum Optics Journal of the European Optical Society Part B
Discrete superpositions of coherent states and phase properties of elliptically polarized light propagating in a Kerr medium
Tserensodnom Gantsog, R. Tanaś
Abstract
The problem of the formation of discrete superpositions of coherent states when elliptically polarized light is propagating through a nonlinear Kerr medium is considered, It is shown that superpositions with any number of components can be obtained if the evolution time is taken as a fraction MIN of the period, where M and N are mutually prime integers. Exact analytical formulae for finding the superposition coeffi- cients are given. It is shown that the coupling between the two circularly polarized components of the ellpitically polarized light caused by the asymmetry of the nonlinear properties of the medium can suppress the number of components in the superposition from N' to N, if the asymmetry parameter takes appropriate values. The phase distri- bution function P(.9,, e.) for the two-mode field is obtained according to the new Pegg-Barnett phase formalism. This function exhibits a well resolved, multi-peak struc- ture, clearly indicating the formation of the discrete superpositions of coherent states. Examples of the phase distribution function for several superposition states are illustrated graphiczlly. showing in a very spectacular way the formation of such superpositions.