The quantum-classical crossover of a field mode

Everitt, M. J.; Munro, W. J.; Spiller, T. P.

The quantum-classical crossover of a field mode

Authors

Everitt, M. J.

Munro, W. J.

Spiller, T. P.

Description

We explore the quantum-classical crossover in the behaviour of a quantum field mode. The quantum behaviour of a two-state system - a qubit - coupled to the field is used as a probe. Collapse and revival of the qubit inversion form the signature for quantum behaviour of the field and continuous Rabi oscillations form the signature for classical behaviour of the field. We demonstrate both limits in a single model for the full coupled system, for states with the same average field strength, and so for qubits with the same Rabi frequency.
6 pages, 3 figures (in this version the figures, text and references have all been expanded)