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Updated: Mar 21, 2026

Quantum State Engineering of Light with Continuous-wave Optical Parametric Oscillators
Published on: May 30, 2014
Deterministic nonclassicality from thermal states
Abstract:
Coupling an oscillator to a single two-level system is one of the most fundamental interactions in quantum physics. We report on a dynamical effect during which a thermal state of an oscillator is unconditionally transformed to a highly nonclassical state with negative Wigner function values by mere absorbtion by a single uncontrolled two-level system. This complements the traditional test of Rabi oscillations and it serves as a simply measurable witness that the process in question is highly nonclassical. The process is experimentally feasible with possible experimental implementation in a number of experimental platforms with intrinsic Jaynes-Cummings interaction and it has the potential of enabling deterministic generation of nonclassical quantum states.
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