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Quantum Interference in the Kirkwood-Rihaczek representation

Praxmeyer, L, Wodkiewicz, K

Published Jul 22, 2002• 18 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

We discuss the Kirkwood-Rihaczek phase space distribution and analyze a whole new class of quasi-distributions connected with this function. All these functions have the correct marginals. We construct a coherent state representation of such functions, discuss which operator ordering corresponds to the Kirkwood-Rihaczek distribution and their generalizations, and show how such states are connected to squeezed states. Quantum interference in the Kirkwood-Rihaczek representation is discussed.

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Abstract There are several mathematical formulations of quantum mechanics. The Schrödinger picture expresses quantum states in terms of wavefunctions over, e.g. position or momentum. Alternatively, phase-space formulations represent states with quasi-probability distributions over, e.g. position and momentum. A quasi-probability distribution resembles a probability distribution but may have negative and non-real entries. The most famous quasi-probability distribution, the Wigner function, has played a pivotal role in the development of a continuous-variable quantum theory that has clear analogues of position and momentum. However, the Wigner function is ill-suited for much modern quantum-information research, which is focused on finite-dimensional systems and general observables. Instead, recent years have seen the Kirkwood–Dirac (KD) distribution come to the forefront as a powerful quasi-probability distribution for analysing quantum mechanics. The KD distribution allows tools from statistics and probability theory to be applied to problems in quantum-information processing. A notable difference to the Wigner function is that the KD distribution can represent a quantum state in terms of arbitrary observables. This paper reviews the KD distribution, in three parts. First, we present definitions and basic properties of the KD distribution and its generalisations. Second, we summarise the KD distribution’s extensive usage in the study or development of measurement disturbance; quantum metrology; weak values; direct measurements of quantum states; quantum thermodynamics; quantum scrambling and out-of-time-ordered correlators; and the foundations of quantum mechanics, including Leggett–Garg inequalities, the consistent-histories interpretation and contextuality. We emphasise connections between operational quantum advantages and negative or non-real KD quasi-probabilities. Third, we delve into the KD distribution’s mathematical structure. We summarise the current knowledge regarding the geometry of KD-positive states (the states for which the KD distribution is a classical probability distribution), describe how to witness and quantify KD non-positivity, and outline relationships between KD non-positivity, coherence and observables’ incompatibility.

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We discuss the Kirkwood-Rihaczek phase space distribution and analyze a whole new class of quasi-distributions connected with this function. All these functions have the correct marginals. We construct a coherent state representation of such functions, discuss which operator ordering corresponds to the Kirkwood-Rihaczek distribution and their generalizations, and show how such states are connected to squeezed states. Quantum interference in the Kirkwood-Rihaczek representation is discussed.
A quantum condition on phase-space distribution functions is introduced based on the probability for the quasimomentum k and quasicoordinate q. This condition is complementary to the conditions on the momentum p and the coordinate x. It is shown that the Wigner distribution does not satisfy this condition, and it is the Rihaczek function that obeys it. An equality is established for sums on the Wigner and the Rihaczek distributions. Linear dependences of phase-space distribution functions are derived based on the zeros of the kq functions.
A new operator representation, called squeezed coherent state representation, is introduced since Husimi operator has the form of squeezed coherent state. We fisrt introduce its specific integral expression. When κ = 1, this representation is reduced to the usual P function. As an example, we calculate the squeezed coherent state representation for thermal field to illustrate a difference between P function and the squeezed coherent state representation. Especially, in order to better apply this representation to quantum optics, we reveal the integral transformations between the squeezed coherent state representation, respectively, and the following three functions: Wigner function, Q function, and Husimi function.
Abstract There are several mathematical formulations of quantum mechanics. The Schrödinger picture expresses quantum states in terms of wavefunctions over, e.g. position or momentum. Alternatively, phase-space formulations represent states with quasi-probability distributions over, e.g. position and momentum. A quasi-probability distribution resembles a probability distribution but may have negative and non-real entries. The most famous quasi-probability distribution, the Wigner function, has played a pivotal role in the development of a continuous-variable quantum theory that has clear analogues of position and momentum. However, the Wigner function is ill-suited for much modern quantum-information research, which is focused on finite-dimensional systems and general observables. Instead, recent years have seen the Kirkwood–Dirac (KD) distribution come to the forefront as a powerful quasi-probability distribution for analysing quantum mechanics. The KD distribution allows tools from statistics and probability theory to be applied to problems in quantum-information processing. A notable difference to the Wigner function is that the KD distribution can represent a quantum state in terms of arbitrary observables. This paper reviews the KD distribution, in three parts. First, we present definitions and basic properties of the KD distribution and its generalisations. Second, we summarise the KD distribution’s extensive usage in the study or development of measurement disturbance; quantum metrology; weak values; direct measurements of quantum states; quantum thermodynamics; quantum scrambling and out-of-time-ordered correlators; and the foundations of quantum mechanics, including Leggett–Garg inequalities, the consistent-histories interpretation and contextuality. We emphasise connections between operational quantum advantages and negative or non-real KD quasi-probabilities. Third, we delve into the KD distribution’s mathematical structure. We summarise the current knowledge regarding the geometry of KD-positive states (the states for which the KD distribution is a classical probability distribution), describe how to witness and quantify KD non-positivity, and outline relationships between KD non-positivity, coherence and observables’ incompatibility.