Abstract

We have previously developed a formalism for identifying quantum operators corresponding to the sine and cosine of the phase differences between two quantum fields.¹ Our approach is based on what is actually measured in an experiment, and it leads to different operators for different measurement schemes. Predictions based on our theory differ from those based on the Susskind-Glogower and the Pegg-Barnett operators. We now present the results of new experiments designed to test the validity of our approach, including measurements of the higher moments of the sine and cosine for different quantum states. The results of all measurements confirm our formalism in every case.

© 1992 Optical Society of America