Macroscopic quantum effects for classical light

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates macroscopic quantum effects such as Schrödinger cat states, squeezing, and collapse and revival phenomena in classical light beams propagating through inhomogeneous media, using exact analytical solutions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analytical approach to generate and analyze macroscopic quantum states in classical light propagation, revealing effects previously unobserved in such systems.

Findings

Generation of high-fidelity squeezed cat states periodically

Observation of collapse and revival of wave packets due to mode interference

Detection of extremely small beam oscillations comparable to gravitational wave signals

Abstract

Macroscopic quantum optical effects (Schrodinger cat states, squeezing, collapse and revival) for light beams propagating in an inhomogeneous linear medium are demonstrated using exact analytical solutions of wave equation. It is shown that the coherent superposition of macroscopically distinguishable states is generated via mode interference from an initial off-axis single wave-packet. Squeezed cat states with a fidelity > 99% arise periodically and disappear rapidly within limited intervals of a propagation distance. Collapse and revival of wave packets at long-term non-paraxial evolution due to mode interference is demonstrated. Oscillations of the beam trajectory with extremely small amplitude of the order of 10-19 m which is typical of the estimated displacement caused by cosmic gravitational waves in gravity-wave detectors occur.