Generation of Fock states in the micromaser

The recent observation of trapping states in the micromaser not only gave s trong indications that the cavity field was quantized but also that the hel d was held in a number state or Fock state for long periods of time. We ext end this measurement to show that under achievable experimental conditions, steady-state Fock generation is possible. Additionally, we show how the ca vity field can be projected onto a number state using state reduction and t hen probed to determine the field state.