Ground state of hamonic oscilator

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between coherent states and Fock states in quantum mechanics, specifically addressing the case where the coherent state parameter ##\alpha## approaches zero. It is established that as ##\alpha \to 0##, the coherent state ##|\alpha\rangle## converges to the vacuum state ##|n=0\rangle##. The confusion arose from a misinterpretation of the Wigner function associated with the Fock state for ##n=1##, which was clarified in the discussion. The coherent state is defined as an eigenvector of the annihilation operator, and the vacuum state is recognized as a special case of a coherent state.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics concepts, particularly coherent states and Fock states.
  • Familiarity with the annihilation operator and its role in quantum state definitions.
  • Knowledge of Wigner functions and their applications in quantum state analysis.
  • Basic grasp of complex numbers and their significance in quantum state parameters.
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  • Study the mathematical properties of coherent states in quantum optics.
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Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers interested in the properties of coherent and Fock states will benefit from this discussion.

naima
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When i take a coherent state ##|\alpha>## if ##\alpha -> 0## then the limit is the Fock state for n = 0. so ##|n = 0> = |\alpha = 0>##
The problem is that they seem to have different http://www.iqst.ca/quantech/wiggalery.php:
Where is the error?
Thanks.

Edit sorry, in the link the W function is for a (n = 1) Fock state. So no more problem.
 
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I don't understand your question. Among other definitions, you can define a coherent state of a given mode as an eigenvector of the corresponding annihilation operator
$$\hat{a} |\alpha \rangle=\alpha |\alpha \rangle,$$
where ##\alpha \in \mathbb{C}##. For ##\alpha=0## that's the definition of the "vacuum" (absence of the considered mode). Thus also the vacuum is a special coherent state.
 
I had in mind the fact that for an integer ##\alpha## the Fock state ##|\alpha>## is just one of the terms of the serie of the coherenet state ##|\alpha>##.
I did not saw that for 0 the serie has only one term.
 

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