Non-classical Properties of Even and Odd Coherent States

Abstract

We present a detailed discussion of even and odd coherent states defined as eigenstates of the single mode two-photon annihilation operator a ². We study the non-classical properties such as squeezing, higher-order squeezing, and photon antibunching. Also discussed are the various quantum quasiprobability distributions, namely the P function, which is shown to be highly singular, the Q function, and the Wigner, which can take on negative values for these states. Finally, we present a discussion of a possible mechanism for the generation of such states based on the competition between parametric amplification and the incoherent losses from two-photon resonant absorption.