We show how su (2) intelligent states can be obtained by coupling su (2) coherent states. The construction is simple and efficient, and easily leads to a discussion of some general properties of su (2) intelligent states.
The construction of su (2) intelligent states is simplified using a polynomial representation of su (2). The cornerstone of the new construction is the diagonalization of a 2 × 2 matrix. The method is sufficiently simple to be easily extended to su (3), where one is required to diagonalize a single 3 × 3 matrix. For two perfectly general su (3) operators, this diagonalization is technically possible but the procedure loses much of its simplicity owing to the algebraic form of the roots of a cubic equation. Simplified expressions can be obtained by specializing the choice of su (3) operators. This simpler construction will be discussed in detail.