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Within the expansive domain of optical sciences, achieving the precise characterization of light beams stands as a fundamental pursuit, pivotal for various applications, including telecommunications and imaging technologies. This study introduces an innovative methodology aimed at reconstructing the Wigner distribution function of optical signals; a crucial tool in comprehending the time-frequency behavior exhibited by these signals. The proposed approach integrates two robust mathematical tools: the discrete realization of fractional Fourier transform, and the propagator of the quantum harmonic oscillator in waveguide arrays. This integration offers a direct and efficient method for characterizing optical signals by reconstructing their Wigner distribution function in the scope of integrated optics. We provide evidence of how having knowledge of the signal propagation amid the phase-space reconstruction, has desirable advantages in respect to only knowing the signal state., Comment: 10 pages, 7 figures

The effect of a non-unitary transformation on an initial Hermitian operator is studied. The initial (Hermitian) optical system is a Glauber-Fock optical lattice. The resulting non-Hermitian Hamiltonian models an anisotropic (Glauber-Fock) waveguide array of the Hatano-Nelson-type. Several cases are analyzed and exact analytical solutions for both the Hermitian and non-Hermitian Schr\"odinger problems are given, as they are simply connected. Indeed, such transformation can be regarded as a non-unitary Supersymmetric (SUSY) transformation and the resulting non-Hermitian Hamiltonian can be considered as representing an open system that interchanges energy with the environment.

A non-unitary transformation leading to a Hatano-Nelson problem is performed on an array of equally-spaced optical waveguides. Such transformation produces a non-reciprocal system of waveguides, as the corresponding Hamiltonian becomes non-Hermitian. This may be achieved by judiciously choosing an attenuation (amplification) of the injected (or exciting) field. The non-Hermitian transport induced by such transformation is studied for several cases and closed analytical solutions are obtained. The corresponding non-Hermitian Hamiltonian may represent an open system that interacts with the environment, either loosing to or being provided with energy from the exterior., Comment: arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:2307.06425

Two exact different solutions to the Telegraph equation in three-dimensional space are obtained in terms of Airy functions. As a result, these solutions unveil a distinctive propagation pattern along a coordinate that resembles a speed-cone-like coordinate of the system. This unique characteristic leads to effective Schr\"odinger-like equations, amenable to exact solutions through Airy functions., Comment: Accepted for publication in Revista Mexicana de F\'isica

A medium with specific anisotropic refractive indices can induce a supersymmetric behavior in the propagation of polarized electromagnetic waves, in an analogue fashion to a quantum mechanical system. The polarizations of the wave are the ones which behave as superpartners from each other. For this to happen, the anisotropy of the medium must be transverse to the direction of propagation of the wave, with different refractive indices along the direction of each polarization. These refractive indices must follow a very specific relation in order to trigger the supersymetric response of the electromagnetic wave, each of them with spatial dependence on the longitudinal (propagation) direction of the wave. In this form, in these materials, different polarized light can be used to test supersymmetry in an optical fashion.

We study the decaying dynamics in the mirror-field interaction by means of the intrinsic decoherence scheme. Factorization of the mirror-field Hamiltonian with the use of displacement operators, allows us to calculate the explicit solution to Milburn's equation for arbitrary initial conditions. We show expectation values, correlations, and Husimi functions for the solutions obtained., Comment: 16 pages, 6 figures

We show that several Hamiltonians that are $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetric may be taken to Hermitian Hamiltonians via a non-unitary transformation and vice versa. We also show that for some specific Hamiltonians such non-unitary transformations may be associated, via a fractional-Wick rotation, to complex time.

By using the complete solution of the Milburn equation (beyond the Lindblad form that it is generally used) that describes intrinsic decoherence, we study the decaying dynamics of a displaced harmonic oscillator. We calculate the expectation values of position quadrature, and the number operator in initial coherent and squeezed states.

Coherent states for equally spaced, homogeneous waveguide arrays are defined, in the infinite, semiinfinite and finite cases, and resolutions of the identity are constructed, using different methods. In the infinite case, which corresponds to Euclidean coherent states, a resolution of the identity with coherent states on the circle and involving a nonlocal inner product is reviewed. In the semiinfinite case, which corresponds to London coherent states, various construction are given (restricting to the circle with a non-local scalar product, rescaling the coherent states, modifying them, or using a non-tight frame). In the finite case, a construction in terms of coherent states on the circle is given, and this construction is shown to be a regularization of the infinite and semiinfinite cases., Comment: Latex file, 28 pages, no figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2112.00872

By adapting the Madelung-Bohm formalism to paraxial wave propagation we show, by using Ermakov-Lewis techniques, that the Gouy phase is related to the form of the phase chosen in order to produce a Gaussian function as a propagated field. For this, we introduce a quantum mechanical invariant, that it is explicitly time dependent despite the fact that the Hamiltonian is itself time-independent. We finally show that the effective Bohm {\it index of refraction} generates a GRIN medium that produces the focusing needed for the Gouy phase.

Applying the Milburn equation to describe intrinsic decoherence, we study the interaction of three-coupled quantum harmonic oscillators or quantized fields. We give an explicit solution for the complete equation, i.e., beyond the usual second order approximation used to arrive to the Lindblad form. Then we calculate the expectation value of the number operator of each oscillator or mode for one of the modes given in an initial coherent, Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures

We show that two-mode squeezed vacuum-like states may be engineered in the Bohm-Madelung formalism by adequately choosing the phase of the wavefunction. The difference between our wavefunction and the one of the squeezed vacuum states is given precisely by the phase we choose., Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures

We present an integral of diffraction based on particular eigenfunctions of the Laplacian in two dimensions. We show how to propagate some fields, in particular a Bessel field, a superposition of Airy beams, both over the square root of the radial coordinate, and show how to construct a field that reproduces itself periodically in propagation, i.e., a field that renders the Talbot effect. Additionally, it is shown that the superposition of Airy beams produces self-focusing., Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures

We analyze Bohm's potential effects both in the realms of Quantum Mechanics and Optics, as well as in the study of other physical phenomena described in terms of classical and quantum wave equations. We approach this subject by using theoretical arguments as well as experimental evidence. We find that the effects produced by Bohm's potential are both theoretically responsible for the early success of Quantum Mechanics correctly describing atomic and nuclear phenomena and, more recently, by confirming surprising accelerating behavior of free waves and particles experimentally, for instance., Comment: 4 pages, no figures, Accepted in Optik

In the Madelung-Bohm approach to quantum mechanics, we consider a (time dependent) phase that depends quadratically on position and show that it leads to a Bohm potential that corresponds to a time dependent harmonic oscillator, provided the time dependent term in the phase obeys an Ermakov equation.

We study the eigenvalue problem for a linear potential Hamiltonian and, by writing Airy equation in terms of momentum and position operators define Airy states. We give a solution of the Schr\"odinger equation for the symmetrical linear potential in terms of the squeeze and displacement operators. Finally, we write the unit operator in terms of Airy states and find a relation between them and position and momentum eigenstates., Comment: 9 pages

A supersymmetric relativistic quantum theory in the temporal domain is developed for bi-spinor fields satisfying the Dirac equation. The simplest time-domain supersymmetric theory can be postulated for fields with time-dependent mass, showing an equivalence with the bosonic supersymmetric theory in time-domain. Solutions are presented and they are used to produce probability oscillations between mass states. As an application of this idea, we study the two-neutrino oscillation problem, showing that flavour state oscillations may emerge from the supersymmetry originated by the time-dependence of the unique mass of the neutrino.

It is shown that field propagation in linear and quadratic gradient-index (GRIN) media obeys the same rules of free propagation in the sense that a field propagating in free space has a (mathematical) form that may be {\it exported} to those particular GRIN media. The Bohm potential is introduced in order to explain the reason of such behavior: it changes the dynamics by modifying the original potential. The concrete cases of two different initials conditions for each potential are analyzed.

In this paper we discuss statistical properties of modified London coherent states, that were introduced in order build up a resolution of the identity for London coherent states. In particular, we show that there exist sub-Poissonian behaviour for a large interval of amplitudes and, because their oscillating photon distribution, they show ringing revivals of the atomic inversion., Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures

We show how to generate quasi-rectangle-states of the vibrational motion of an ion, this is, states that have the same probability in a given position interval. We produce those states by repeated ion-laser interactions followed by conditional measurements that generate a superposition of squeezed states. The squeeze parameter of the initial state may be tuned in order to obtain such highly localized rectangle states., Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures

We show that, by using the quantum orthogonal functions invariant, we are able to solve a coupled of time dependent harmonic oscillators where all the time dependent frequencies are arbitrary. We do so, by transforming the time dependent Hamiltonian of the interaction by a set of unitary operators. In passing, we show that $N$ time dependent and coupled oscillators have a generalized orthogonal functions invariant from which we can write a Ermakov-Lewis invariant., Comment: 6 pages

This contribution has two main purposes. First, we show using classical optics how to model two coupled quantum harmonic oscillators and two interacting quantized fields. Second, we use quantum mechanical techniques to solve, exactly, the propagation of light through a particular type of graded index medium. In passing, we show that the system presents phase transitions., Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures

We present a method to generate NOON states with three photons by injecting photons in an array of three waveguides. Conditional measurements project the wave function in a given (desired) state. In passing, we show how the array of three waveguides, that effectively reproduces the interaction of three fields, may be reduced to the interaction of two fields.

We study the Jaynes-Cummings interaction when initial mixed states, for the atom or the field, are considered. The evolved mixed field density matrix is purified to a wavefunction that describes the interaction between a quantised field and an artificial four-level atom. This allows us to use the Araki-Lieb inequality to calculate the field entropy from the atomic entropy. We then generate {\it artificial} Hamiltonians that reproduce the field entropy dynamics. We finally show that more realistic Hamiltonians may be considered by using two entangled two-level atoms., Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures

We show, in a formal way, how a class of complex quasiprobability distribution functions may be introduced by using the fractional Fourier transform. This leads to the Fresnel transform of a characteristic function instead of the usual Fourier transform. We end the manuscript by showing a way in which the distribution we are introducing may be reconstructed by using atom-field interactions., Comment: 11 pages, 2 figures

We analyse the paraxial field propagation in the realm of classical optics, showing that it can be written as the action of the fractional Fourier transform, followed by the squeeze operator applied to the initial field. Secondly, we show that a wavelet transform may be viewed as the application of a displacement and squeeze operator onto the mother wavelet function., Comment: 10 pages, no figures

Quantum coherence, the physical property underlying fundamental phenomena such as multi-particle interference and entanglement, has emerged as a valuable resource upon which modern technologies are founded. In general, the most prominent adversary of quantum coherence is noise arising from the interaction of the associated dynamical system with its environment. Under certain conditions, however, the existence of noise may drive quantum and classical systems to endure intriguing nontrivial effects. In this vein, here we demonstrate, both theoretically and experimentally, that when two indistinguishable non-interacting particles co-propagate through quantum networks affected by non-dissipative noise, the system always evolves into a steady state in which coherences accounting for particle indistinguishabilty perpetually prevail. Furthermore, we show that the same steady state with surviving quantum coherences is reached even when the initial state exhibits classical correlations., Comment: arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1709.04336

We propose a mixedness quantifier based on entropy fluctuations. It provides information about the degree of mixedness either for finite dimensional and infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces. It may be used to determine the reduction of the Hilbert space as it becomes maximum when, either the state is maximally mixed, or, when the Hilbert space effectively reduces its dimensions, such as in the atom field interaction where the two-level atom dictates the final dimension of the field., Comment: 13 pages, 6 figures

Using the Ermakov-Lewis invariants appearing in KvN mechanics, the time-dependent frequency harmonic oscillator is studied. The analysis builds upon the operational dynamical model, from which it is possible to infer quantum or classical dynamics; thus, the mathematical structure governing the evolution will be the same in both cases. The Liouville operator associated with the time-dependent frequency harmonic oscillator can be transformed using an Ermakov-Lewis invariant, which is also time dependent and commutes with itself at any time. Finally, because the solution of the Ermakov equation is involved in the evolution of the classical state vector, we explore some analytical and numerical solutions., Comment: 17 pages, 2 figures

The Araki-Lieb inequality is commonly used to calculate the entropy of subsystems when they are initially in pure states as this forces the entropy of the two subsystems to be equal after the complete system evolves. Then, it is easy to calculate the entropy of a large subsystem by finding the entropy of the small one. To the best of our knowledge, there does not exist a way of calculating the entropy when one of the subsystems is initially in a mixed state. We show here that it is possible to use the Araki-Lieb inequality in this case and find the von Neumann entropy for the large (infinite) system. We show this in the two-level atom-field interaction., Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures

Quantum coherence, the physical property underlying fundamental phenomena such as multi-particle interference and entanglement, has emerged as a valuable resource upon which exotic modern technologies are founded. In general, the most prominent adversary of quantum coherence is noise arising from the interaction of the associated dynamical system with its environment. Under certain conditions, however, the existence of noise may drive quantum and classical systems to endure intriguing nontrivial effects. Along these lines, here we demonstrate, both theoretically and experimentally, that when two indistinguishable particles co-propagate through quantum networks affected by noise, the system always evolves into a steady state in which coherences between certain separable states perpetually prevail. Furthermore, we show that the same steady state with surviving quantum coherences is reached irrespectively of the configuration in which the particles are prepared.

We establish an approximate equivalence between a generalised quantum Rabi model and its nth order counterparts where spin-boson interactions are nonlinear as they comprise a simultaneous exchange of $n$ bosonic excitations. Although there exists no unitary transformation between these models, we demonstrate their equivalence to a good approximation in a wide range of parameters. This shows that nonlinear spin-boson couplings, i.e. nth order quantum Rabi models, are accessible to quantum systems with only linear coupling between boson and spin modes by simply adding spin rotations and after an appropriate transformation. Furthermore, our result prompts novel approximate analytical solutions to the dynamics of the quantum Rabi model in the ultrastrong coupling regime improving previous approaches., Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures plus Supplemental Information

Sir Peter Knight is a pioneer in quantum optics which has now grown to an important branch of modern physics to study the foundations and applications of quantum physics. He is leading an effort to develop new technologies from quantum mechanics. In this collection of essays, we recall the time we were working with him as a postdoc or a PhD student and look at how the time with him has influenced our research.

We use the concept of two-particle probability amplitude to derive the stochastic evolution equation for two-particle four-point correlations in tight-binding networks affected by diagonal dynamic disorder. It is predicted that in the presence of dynamic disorder, the average spatial wave function of indistinguishable particle pairs delocalizes and populates all network sites including those which are weakly coupled in the absence of disorder. Interestingly, our findings reveal that correlation elements accounting for particle indistinguishability are immune to the impact of dynamic disorder.

Based on the definition of the Fourier transform in terms of the number operator of the quantum harmonic oscillator and in the corresponding definition of the fractional Fourier transform, we have obtained the discrete fractional Fourier transform from the discrete Fourier transform in a completely analogous manner. To achieve this, we have used a very simple method based on the Vandermonde matrices, to obtain rational and irrational powers of the discrete Fourier transform matrices.

We demonstrate that superpositions of coherent and displaced Fock states, also referred to as generalized Schr\"odinger cats cats, can be created by application of a nonlinear displacement operator which is a deformed version of the Glauber displacement operator. Consequently, such generalized cat states can be formally considered as nonlinear coherent states. We then show that Glauber-Fock photonic lattices endowed with alternating positive and negative coupling coefficients give rise to classical analogs of such cat states. In addition, it is pointed out that the analytic propagator of these deformed Glauber-Fock arrays explicitly contains the Wigner operator opening the possibility to observe Wigner functions of the quantum harmonic oscillator in the classical domain., Comment: 17 pages, 5 figures

Noise is generally thought as detrimental for energy transport in coupled oscillator networks. However, it has been shown that for certain coherently evolving systems, the presence of noise can enhance, somehow unexpectedly, their transport efficiency; a phenomenon called environment-assisted quantum transport (ENAQT) or dephasing-assisted transport. Here, we report on the experimental observation of such effect in a network of coupled electrical oscillators. We demonstrate that by introducing stochastic fluctuations in one of the couplings of the network, a relative enhancement in the energy transport efficiency of $22.5 \pm 3.6\,\%$ can be observed.

Fourier transforms are ubiquitous mathematical tools in basic and applied sciences. We here report classical and quantum optical realizations of the discrete fractional Fourier transform, a generalization of the Fourier transform. In the integrated configuration used in our experiments, the order of the transform is mapped onto the longitudinal coordinate, thus opening up the prospect of simultaneously observing all Transformation orders. In the context of classical optics, we implement discrete fractional Fourier transforms, both integer and fractional, of exemplary wave functions and experimentally demonstrate the shift theorem. Moreover, we apply this approach in the quantum realm to transform separable and highly entangled biphoton wave functions. The proposed approach is versatile and could find applications in various fields where Fourier transforms are essential tools, such as quantum chemistry and biology, physics and mathematics.

We provide a squeeze-like transformation that allows one to remove a position dependent mass from the Hamiltonian. Methods to solve the Schr\"{o}dinger equation may then be applied to find the respective eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. As an example, we consider a position-dependent-mass that leads to the integrable Morse potential and therefore to well-known solutions.

We show a simple mechanism to measure the Wigner function of a harmonic oscillator. For this system we also show that autocorrelation and Wigner functions are equivalent., Comment: Modified title and slightly modified version from the one published

The squeezed states are states of minimum uncertainty, but unlike the coherent states, in which the uncertainty in the position and the momentum are the same, these allow to reduce the uncertainty, either in the position or in the momentum, while maintaining the principle of uncertainty in its minimum. It seems that this property of the squeezed states would allow you to get the position eigenstates as a limit case of them, doing null the uncertainty in the position and infinite at the momentum. However, there are two equivalent ways to define the squeezed states, which lead to different expressions for the limit states. In this work, we analyze these two definitions of the squeezed states and show the advantages and disadvantages of using such definition to find the position eigenstates. With this idea in mind, but leaving aside the definitions of the squeezed states, we find an operator applied to the vacuum that gives us the position eigenstates. We also analyze some properties of the squeezed states, based on the new expressions obtained for the eigenstates of the position., Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures