Quantum-statistical properties of a particle in a double-harmonic-oscillator potential: generation of Schrödinger-cat states

The quantum-mechanical double harmonic oscillator is proposed as a model for the generation of Schrödinger-cat states. To demonstrate this the quantum-statistical properties of the double oscillator in its ground state are examined. The nonclassical nature of this state and interference effects are analyzed. The squeezing properties of the double harmonic oscillator are calculated and compared with those of the ‘‘idealized’’ cat state. The behavior of the quasiprobability distribution function is also discussed