Non-classicality of optical fields as observed in photocount and photon-number distributions

Opt Express. 2020 Oct 26;28(22):32620-32631. doi: 10.1364/OE.405548.

Abstract

Non-classicality criteria for optical fields based on the probabilities of photocount and photon-number distributions are derived. Relations among the criteria obtained by the applied methods are revealed. Redundant criteria are identified. The performance of the fundamental criteria is tested on a set of potentially sub-Poissonian fields generated by photon-number-resolved post-selection from a mesoscopic twin beam. The corresponding non-classicality depths are determined to quantitatively compare the used criteria.