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Bo-Sture K. Skagerstam

Publications and source records attributed to Bo-Sture K. Skagerstam.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2026

Fractional Angular Momentum and Quasi-Probability Densities for Angular Degrees of Freedom

In the present update work we consider properly defined two-parameter quasi-probability densities that, e.g., can be used as witness for quantum behaviour for a class of pure states as expressed in terms of a self-adjoint observable angular position and the corresponding angular momentum operator L. It is shown that negative values of the corresponding quasi-probability densities may reveal the quantum nature of superpositions of angular momentum eigenstates with a fractional mean value of L but in an ambiguous manner. For a suitable choice of parameters these quasi-probability densities are positive and are in accordance with Borns rule in quantum mechanics. It is also shown that experimental data of the uncertainties for the angular position and L observables can be sufficient to reveal some unique quantum-mechanical features of such states without necessarily making use of quasi-probability densities.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2023

On Quantum States for angular Position and Angular Momentum of Light

In the present paper we construct a properly defined quantum state expressed in terms of elliptic Jacobi theta functions for the self-adjoint observables angular position $θ$ and the corresponding angular momentum operator $L = -id/dθ$. The quantum uncertainties $Δθ$ and $ΔL$ for the state are well-defined and are, e.g., shown to give a lower value of the uncertainty product $ΔθΔL$ than the minimal uncertainty states of Ref.\cite{Padgett_2004}. The mean value $< L >$ of the state is not required to be an integer. In the case of any half-integer mean value $< L >$ the state constructed exhibits a remarkable critical behavior with upper and lower bounds $Δθ< \sqrt{π^2/3 -2}$ and $ΔL > 1/2$.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2019

Causality in Quantum Field Theory with Classical Sources - Quantum Electrodynamics

In an exact quantum-mechanical framework, we show that expectation values of the second-quantized electro-magnetic fields in the Coulomb gauge, and in the presence of classical sources, automatically lead to causal and retarded electro-magnetic field strengths. The classical $\hbar$-independent Maxwell's equations naturally emerge from this fundamental quantum-mechanical approach in terms of expectation values of quantum fields, and are therefore also consistent with the special theory of relativity. The fundamental difference between interference phenomena due to the linear nature of the classical Maxwell theory as, e.g., in classical optics, and interference effects of quantum states is clarified. The framework outlined also provides for a simple approach to, e.g., spontaneous photon emission and/or absorption processes as well as to the classical Vavilov-Cherenkov radiation. The inherent and necessary quantum fluctuations, limiting a precise space-time knowledge of expectation values of the quantum fields considered, are, finally, recalled.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2018

Comments on the Three-Slit Experiment and Quantum Mechanics

It has been suggested by Sorkin that a three-slit Young experiment could reveal the validity a fundamental ingredient in the foundations of one of the cornerstones in modern physics namely quantum mechanics. In terms of a certain parameter $κ_S$, it was argued that a non-zero value could imply a breakdown of the fundamental Born's rule as well as the superposition principle. Here we argue that a physical realization of such arguments could lead to an erroneous conclusion and contradict the basic rules of quantum mechanics. In fact, we argue that a proper interpretation of the procedures involved in a physical determination of $κ_S$ does not necessarily lead to $κ_S=0$. In order to show this we consider a mono-chromatic source of photons prepared in an {\it arbitrary} quantum state and a simple version of the well-established photon detection theory of Glauber which, by construction, obeys all the rules of quantum mechanics. It is, however, also argued that after a proper identification of the relevant quantum-mechanical probability amplitudes one can be reach $κ_S=0$. As long as one only consider a single photon detector, it is verified that, in this context, there is no fundamental difference between quantum-mechanical interference and interference as expressed in terms of classical electro-magnetic waves.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2018

Quantum Field Theory with Classical Sources - Linearized Quantum Gravity

In a previous work and in terms of an exact quantum-mechanical framework, $\hbar$-independent causal and retarded expectation values of the second-quantized electro-magnetic fields in the Coulomb gauge were derived in the presence of a conserved classical electric current. The classical $\hbar$-independent Maxwell's equations then naturally emerged. In the present work, we extend these considerations to linear gravitational quantum deviations around a flat Minkowski space-time in a Coulomb-like gauge. The emergence of the classical causal and properly retarded linearized classical theory of general relativity with a conserved classical energy-momentum tensor is then outlined. The quantum-mechanical framework also provides for a simple approach to classical quadrupole gravitational radiation of Einstein and microscopic spontaneous graviton emission and/or absorption processes.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2013

Anomalous Paths in Quantum Mechanical Path-Integrals

We investigate modifications of the discrete-time lattice action, for a quantum mechanical particle in one spatial dimension, that vanish in the naïve continuum limit but which, nevertheless, induce non-trivial effects due to quantum fluctuations. These effects are seen to modify the geometry of the paths contributing to the path-integral describing the time evolution of the particle, which we investigate through numerical simulations. In particular, we demonstrate the existence of a modified lattice action resulting in paths with any fractal dimension, d_f, between one and two. We argue that d_f=2 is a critical value, and we exhibit a type of lattice modification where the fluctuations in the position of the particle becomes independent of the time step, in which case the paths are interpreted as superdiffusive Lévy flights. We also consider the jaggedness of the paths, and show that this gives an independent classification of lattice theories.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2012

Memory Effects in Spontaneous Emission Processes

We consider a quantum-mechanical analysis of spontaneous emission in terms of an effective two-level system with a vacuum decay rate $Γ_0$ and transition angular frequency $ω_A$. Our analysis is in principle exact, even though presented as a numerical solution of the time-evolution including memory effects. The results so obtained are confronted with previous discussions in the literature. In terms of the {\it dimensionless} lifetime $τ= tΓ_0$ of spontaneous emission, we obtain deviations from exponential decay of the form ${\cal O} (1/τ)$ for the decay amplitude as well as the previously obtained asymptotic behaviors of the form ${\cal O} (1/τ^2)$ or ${\cal O} (1/τ\ln^2τ)$ for $τ\gg 1 $. The actual asymptotic behavior depends on the adopted regularization procedure as well as on the physical parameters at hand. We show that for any reasonable range of $τ$ and for a sufficiently large value of the required angular frequency cut-off $ω_c$ of the electro-magnetic fluctuations, i.e. $ω_c \gg ω_A$, one obtains either a ${\cal O} (1/τ)$ or a ${\cal O} (1/τ^2)$ dependence. In the presence of physical boundaries, which can change the decay rate with many orders of magnitude, the conclusions remains the same after a suitable rescaling of parameters.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2012

Dynamics of genuine multipartite correlations in open quantum systems

We propose a measure for genuine multipartite correlations suited for the study of dynamics in open quantum systems. This measure is contextual in the sense that it depends on how information is read from the environment. It is used to study an interacting collective system of atoms undergoing phase transitions as external parameters are varied. We show that the steady state of the system can have a significant degree of genuine multipartite quantum and classical correlations, and that the proposed measure can serve as a witness of critical behavior in quantum systems.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2011

Extension of Berezin-Lieb Inequalities

The Berezin-Lieb inequalities provide upper and lower bounds for a partition function based on phase space integrals that involve the Glauber-Sudarshan and Husimi representations, respectively. Generalizations of these representations have recently been introduced by the present authors, and in this article, we extend the use of these new representations to develop numerous analogs of the Berezin-Lieb inequalities that may offer improved bounds. Several examples illustrate the use of the new inequalities. Although motivated by problems in quantum mechanics, these results may also find applications in time-frequency analysis, a valuable cross fertilization that has been profitably used at various times in the past.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2007

Spontaneous Emission Near Superconducting Bodies

In the present paper we study the spontaneous photon emission due to a magnetic spin-flip transition of a two-level atom in the vicinity of a dielectric body like a normal conducting metal or a superconductor. For temperatures below the transition temperature T_c of a superconductor, the corresponding spin-flip lifetime is boosted by several orders of magnitude as compared to the case of a normal conducting body. Numerical results of an exact formulation are also compared to a previously derived approximative analytical expression for the spin-flip lifetime and we find an excellent agreement. We present results on how the spin-flip lifetime depends on the temperature T of a superconducting body as well as its thickness H. Finally, we study how non-magnetic impurities as well as possible Eliashberg strong-coupling effects influence the spin-flip rate. It is found that non-magnetic impurities as well as strong-coupling effects have no dramatic impact on the spin-flip lifetime.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2007

Generalized Phase Space Representation of Operators

Introducing asymmetry into the Weyl representation of operators leads to a variety of phase space representations and new symbols. Specific generalizations of the Husimi and the Glauber-Sudarshan symbols are explicitly derived

quant-ph↗
arXiv2006

Decay Processes in the Presence of Thin Superconducting Films

In a recent paper [Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 070401 (2006)] the transition rate of magnetic spin-flip of a neutral two-level atom trapped in the vicinity of a thick superconducting body was studied. In the present paper we will extend these considerations to a situation with an atom at various distances from a dielectric film. Rates for the corresponding electric dipole-flip transition will also be considered. The rates for these atomic flip transitions can be reduced or enhanced, and in some situations they can even be completely suppressed. For a superconducting film or a thin film of a perfect conducting material various analytical expressions are derived that reveals the dependence of the physical parameters at hand.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2006

Spin Decoherence in Superconducting Atom Chips

Using a consistent quantum-mechanical treatment for the electromagnetic radiation, we theoretically investigate the magnetic spin-flip scatterings of a neutral two-level atom trapped in the vicinity of a superconducting body. We derive a simple scaling law for the corresponding spin-flip lifetime for such an atom trapped near a superconducting thick slab. For temperatures below the superconducting transition temperature T_c, the lifetime is found to be enhanced by several orders of magnitude in comparison to the case of a normal conducting slab. At zero temperature the spin-flip lifetime is given by the unbounded free-space value.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2006

Collective Two-Atom Effects and Trapping States in the Micromaser

We investigate signals of trapping states in the micromaser system in terms of the average number of cavity photons as well as a suitably defined correlation length of atoms leaving the cavity. In the description of collective two-atom effects we allow the mean number of pump atoms inside the cavity during the characteristic atomic cavity transit time to be as large as of order one. The master equation we consider, which describes the micromaser including collective two-atom effects, still exhibits trapping states for even for a mean number of atoms inside the cavity close to one. We, however, argue more importantly that the trapping states are more pronounced in terms of the correlation length as compared to the average number of cavity photons, i.e. we suggest that trapping states can be more clearly revealed experimentally in terms of the atom correlation length. For axion detection in the micromaser this observable may therefore be an essential ingredient.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2004

On the Quantum Phase Operator for Coherent States

In papers by Lynch [Phys. Rev. A41, 2841 (1990)] and Gerry and Urbanski [Phys. Rev. A42, 662 (1990)] it has been argued that the phase-fluctuation laser experiments of Gerhardt, Büchler and Lifkin [Phys. Lett. 49A, 119 (1974)] are in good agreement with the variance of the Pegg-Barnett phase operator for a coherent state, even for a small number of photons. We argue that this is not conclusive. In fact, we show that the variance of the phase in fact depends on the relative phase between the phase of the coherent state and the off-set phase $ϕ_0$ of the Pegg-Barnett phase operator. This off-set phase is replaced with the phase of a reference beam in an actual experiment and we show that several choices of such a relative phase can be fitted to the experimental data. We also discuss the Noh, Fougères and Mandel [Phys.Rev. A46, 2840 (1992)] relative phase experiment in terms of the Pegg-Barnett phase taking post-selection conditions into account.

quant-ph↗
arXiv2003

On the Preparation of Pure States in Resonant Microcavities

We consider the time evolution of the radiation field (R) and a two-level atom (A) in a resonant microcavity in terms of the Jaynes-Cummings model with an initial general pure quantum state for the radiation field. It is then shown, using the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality and also a Poisson resummation technique, that {\it perfect} coherence of the atom can in general never be achieved. The atom and the radiation field are, however, to a good approximation in a pure state $|ψ>_A\otimes|ψ>_R$ in the middle of what has been traditionally called the ``collapse region'', independent of the initial state of the atoms, provided that the initial pure state of the radiation field has a photon number probability distribution which is sufficiently peaked and phase differences that do not vary significantly around this peak. An approximative analytic expression for the quantity $\Tr[ρ^2_{A}(t)]$, where $ρ_{A}(t)$ is the reduced density matrix for the atom, is derived. We also show that under quite general circumstances an initial entangled pure state will be disentangled to the pure state $|ψ>_{A\otimes R}$.

quant-ph↗