Generating quantum mechanical superpositions of macroscopically distinguishable states via amplitude dispersion

Abstract

It is pointed out here that a coherent state propagating through an amplitude dispersive medium will, under suitable conditions, evolve into a quantum superposition of two coherent states 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} out of phase with each other. The response of a homodyne detector to this superposition of macroscopically distinguishable states is calculated. Signatures which an experimentalist might look for in the homodyne detector's output in order to verify the generation of such states are described.