posted on 2013-01-31, 16:34authored byDerek Harland, Mark Everitt, Kae Nemoto, Todd Tilma, T.P. Spiller
We present a new quasi-probability distribution function for ensembles of spin-half particles or
qubits that has many properties in common with Wigner's original function for systems of continuous
variables. We show that this function provides clear and intuitive graphical representation of a
wide variety of states, including Fock states, spin-coherent states, squeezed states, superpositions
and statistical mixtures. Unlike previous attempts to represent ensembles of spins/qubits, this
distribution is capable of simultaneously representing several angular momentum shells.
History
School
Science
Department
Physics
Citation
HARLAND, D. ... et al, 2012. Towards a complete and continuous Wigner function for an ensemble of spins or qubits. Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, 86 (6), 062117.