What is coherent state?

A coherent state, in the field of quantum physics, is a special type of quantum state that is described as a superposition of different number states. It is a state of minimal uncertainty that closely resembles classical states of light, such as laser beams.

Coherent states exhibit interesting properties, such as the ability to maintain a fixed phase relationship between the electric and magnetic fields. This property makes them particularly useful for applications in quantum optics and quantum information processing.

Coherent states are often used to describe the behavior of photon states in quantum optics, where they can be generated through processes like stimulated emission in lasers. They are also important in the study of quantum computing and quantum communication, as they can be used as a basis for encoding and manipulating quantum information.

Overall, coherent states play a significant role in quantum physics and have a wide range of applications in various fields of research.