# I Coherent states (1 Viewer)

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#### gerald V

Cohererent states are defined as eigenstates of the annihilation operator. Never the creation operator is referred to.

Is this just a convention or is more behind? What is the essential difference between eigenstates of the annihilation- versus the creation operator?

Thank you very much in advance!

#### Demystifier

2018 Award
There are no eigenstates of the creation operator. The asymmetry between creation and annihilation operators stems from the fact that the ordered basis $\{|0\rangle, |1\rangle, |2\rangle,\ldots\}$ has the first element but not last element.

#### PeroK

Homework Helper
Gold Member
2018 Award
What is the essential difference between eigenstates of the annihilation- versus the creation operator?
Existence!

#### gerald V

Got it. Thank you very much.

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