Discrete Wigner Distribution Function Construction

Natig M. Atakishiyev, S. M. Chumakov, Kurt Bernardo Wolf

We construct a Wigner distribution function for finite data sets. It is based on a finite optical system; a linear wave guide where the finite number of discrete sensors is equal to the number of modes which the guide can carry. The dynamical group for this model is SU(2) and the wave functions are sets of N=2l+1 data points. The Wigner distribution function assigns classical c-numbers to the operators of position, momentum, and wave guide mode.

Gen-ichi Hatakoshi

J Van der Jeugt

We define a Wigner distribution function for a one-dimensional finite quantum system, in which the position and momentum operators have a finite (multiplicity-free) spectrum. The distribution function is thus defined on discrete phase-space, i.e. on a finite discrete square grid. These discrete Wigner functions possess a number of properties similar to the Wigner function for a continuous quantum system such as the quantum harmonic oscillator. As an example, we consider the so-called oscillator model in dimension 2 j + 1, which is known to tend to the canonical oscillator when j tends to infinity. In particular, we compare plots of our discrete Wigner functions for the oscillator with the well known plots of Wigner functions for the canonical quantum oscillator. This comparison supports our approach to discrete Wigner functions.

GERALD J. IAFRATE, H. L. Grubin, David K. Ferry

Joris Van Der Jeugt

We define a Wigner distribution function for a one-dimensional finite quantum system, in which the position and momentum operators have a finite (multiplicity-free) spectrum. The distribution function is thus defined on discrete phase-space, i.e. on a finite discrete square grid. These discrete Wigner functions possess a number of properties similar to the Wigner function for a continuous quantum system such as the quantum harmonic oscillator. As an example, we consider the so-called su(2) oscillator model in dimension 2j + 1, which is known to tend to the canonical oscillator when j tends to infinity. In particular, we compare plots of our discrete Wigner functions for the su(2) oscillator with the well known plots of Wigner functions for the canonical quantum oscillator. This comparison supports our approach to discrete Wigner functions. 1