Characteristic functions and quantum measurements of optical observables

Abstract

Three characteristic functions are reviewed along with the quantum theory of linear systems and used to derive the P-representation, Wigner distribution and quasi-probability density of coherent states and squeezed states. The quasiprobability density is interpreted as the outcome of measurements utilising a beamsplitter with homodyne detection. The quasiprobability density concept is generalised and its interpretation in terms of a measurement is presented. The measurement utilises a beam splitter with one of its inputs in a squeezed state followed by two homodyne detectors.