Bosonic Representation of Matrices and Angular Momentum Probabilistic Representation of Cyclic States

Abstract

The Jordan–Schwinger map allows us to go from a matrix representation of any arbitrary Lie algebra to an oscillator (bosonic) representation. We show that any Lie algebra can be considered for this map by expressing the algebra generators in terms of the oscillator creation and annihilation operators acting in the Hilbert space of quantum oscillator states. Then, to describe quantum states in the probability representation of quantum oscillator states, we express their density operators in terms of conditional probability distributions (symplectic tomograms) or Husimi-like probability distributions. We illustrate this general scheme by examples of qubit states (spin-1/2 su(2)-group states) and even and odd Schrödinger cat states related to the other representation of su(2)-algebra (spin-j representation). The two-mode coherent-state superpositions associated with cyclic groups are studied, using the Jordan–Schwinger map. This map allows us to visualize and compare different properties of the mentioned states. For this, the su(2) coherent states for different angular momenta j are used to define a Husimi-like Q representation. Some properties of these states are explicitly presented for the cyclic groups C2 and C3. Also, their use in quantum information and computing is mentioned.

Keywords

• tomographic representation
• Jordan-Schwinger map
• Lie algebras
• coherent states
• angular momentum
• continuous variable systems