Quantum optics is a research direction that led to the development of quantum technologies [1, 2], advancing investigations ranging from fundamental tests of quantum theory to quantum information processing. Central to these investigations are the optical Schrödinger cat states created by the superposition of two distinct coherent states. Despite the progress achieved so far, the development of schemes for the generation of high photon-number-shifted optical cat states with controllable quantum features is considered a challenging task and "hot" topic. Here, after a brief overview on the generation, characterization and applications of optical cat states, I will present you our recent findings concerning the development of a new method that naturally leads to the creation of high photon-number-shifted optical cat states with controllable quantum features [3-5].
1] A. Acín et al., New. J. Phys. 20, 080201 (2018)
2] I. A. Walmsley Science 348, 525 (2015)
3] M. Lewenstein et. al., Nature Phys. 17, 1104 (2021)
4] J. Rivera-Dean et. al., arXiv:2110.01032v2
5] J. Revera-Dean et al., J. Comput. Electr. (2021)