PRODUCTION OF 2-MODE OPTICAL SCHRODINGER-CAT-LIKE STATES VIA KERR-NONLINEARITY

The state evolution of a system of two-mode optical fields interacting with a Kerr medium is investigated. It is discovered that at some spe cial times the system evolves into a quantum superposition of a finite number of different macroscopically distinguishable two-mode coherent states, i.e., so-called two-mode Schrodinger-cat states. Especially t he two-mode Yurke-Stoler state is achieved at half of the period of th e system by taking proper parameters. The influence of detuning and di ssipation on two-mode Schrodinger-cat states is also discussed.