Purchase Solution

fluctuation of the photon number in a coherent state

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Problems 2.11 and 2.12 of the notes.

Attachments
Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

We give a detailed solution of the problems.

Solution Preview

Problem 2.11

We can use the expression Eq. 2.2.29 for the density matrix:

rho(n) = 1/(1+n) sum from k = 0 to infinity of r^k |k><k|

where n is the mean photon number and r = n/(1+n). To compute the variance, we need to evaluate:

<(a-dagger a)^2> = Tr[rho (a-dagger a)^2]

We can do this as follows. We first write:

(a-dagger a)^2 = a-dagger a a-dagger a

We can use the commutation relation [a, a-dagger ] = 1 to move all the a-dagger's to the left. We have that a a-dagger = 1 + a-dagger a, therefore:

a-dagger (a a-dagger) a = a-dagger (1 + a-dagger a ) a = a-dagger a + a-dagger^2 a^2.

We thus have:

Tr[rho (a-dagger a)^2] = Tr[rho ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Classical Mechanics

This quiz is designed to test and improve your knowledge on Classical Mechanics.

Introduction to Nanotechnology/Nanomaterials

This quiz is for any area of science. Test yourself to see what knowledge of nanotechnology you have. This content will also make you familiar with basic concepts of nanotechnology.

The Moon

Test your knowledge of moon phases and movement.

Basic Physics

This quiz will test your knowledge about basic Physics.

Intro to the Physics Waves

Some short-answer questions involving the basic vocabulary of string, sound, and water waves.