Reconstructing the density operator by using generalized field quadratures

The Wigner function for one and two-mode quantum systems is explicitely expressed in terms of the marginal distribution for the generic linearly transformed quadratures. Then, also the density operator of those systems is written in terms of the marginal distribution of these quadratures. Some examples to apply this formalism, and a reduction to the usual optical homodyne tomography are considered.Comment: 17 pages, Latex,accepted by Quantum and Semiclassical Optic

Density Matrix From Photon Number Tomography

We provide a simple analytic relation which connects the density operator of the radiation field with the number probabilities. The problem of experimentally "sampling" a general matrix elements is studied, and the deleterious effects of nonunit quantum efficiency in the detection process are analyzed showing how they can be reduced by using the squeezing technique. The obtained result is particulary useful for intracavity field reconstruction states.Comment: LATEX,6 pages,accepted by Europhysics Letter

Beyond the Standard "Marginalizations" of Wigner Function

We discuss the problem of finding "marginal" distributions within different tomographic approaches to quantum state measurement, and we establish analytical connections among them.Comment: 12 pages, LaTex, no figures, to appear in Quantum and Semiclass. Op

Deformed versus undeformed cat states encoding qubit

We study the possibility of exploiting superpositions of coherent states to encode qubit. A comparison between the use of deformed and undeformed bosonic algebra is made in connection with the amplitude damping errors.Comment: 6 pages, 2 eps figures, to appear in J. Opt.

The Pauli Equation for Probability Distributions

The "marginal" distributions for measurable coordinate and spin projection is introduced. Then, the analog of the Pauli equation for spin-1/2 particle is obtained for such probability distributions instead of the usual wave functions. That allows a classical-like approach to quantum mechanics. Some illuminating examples are presented.Comment: 14 pages, ReVTe

Permutation symmetry for the tomographic probability distribution of a system of identical particles

The symmetry properties under permutation of tomograms representing the states of a system of identical particles are studied. Starting from the action of the permutation group on the density matrix we define its action on the tomographic probability distribution. Explicit calculations are performed in the case of the two-dimensional harmonic oscillator.Comment: 13 pages, latex, no figure

Synthesis and characterization of entangled mesoscopic superpositions for a trapped electron

We propose a scheme for the generation and reconstruction of entangled states between the internal and external (motional) degrees of freedom of a trapped electron. Such states also exhibit quantum coherence at a mesoscopic level.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, RevTeX (twocolumn

Back-action cancellation in interferometers by quantum locking

We show that back-action noise in interferometric measurements such as gravitational-waves detectors can be completely suppressed by a local control of mirrors motion. An optomechanical sensor with an optimized measurement strategy is used to monitor mirror displacements. A feedback loop then eliminates radiation-pressure effects without adding noise. This very efficient technique leads to an increased sensitivity for the interferometric measurement, which becomes only limited by phase noise. Back-action cancellation is furthermore insensitive to losses in the interferometer.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, RevTe

Quantum Characterization of a Werner-like Mixture

We introduce a Werner-like mixture [R. F. Werner, Phys. Rev. A {\bf 40}, 4277 (1989)] by considering two correlated but different degrees of freedom, one with discrete variables and the other with continuous variables. We evaluate the mixedness of this state, and its degree of entanglement establishing its usefulness for quantum information processing like quantum teleportation. Then, we provide its tomographic characterization. Finally, we show how such a mixture can be generated and measured in a trapped system like one electron in a Penning trap.Comment: 8 pages ReVTeX, 8 eps figure