A consistent quantum model for continuous photodetection processes
M. C. de Oliveira, S. S. Mizrahi, V. V. Dodonov · Journal of Optics B Quantum and Semiclassical Optics · 2003
We modify some aspects of the continuous photodetection theory proposed by Srinivas and Davies (SD) (1981 Opt. Acta 28 981), which describes the non-unitary evolution of a quantum field state subjected to a continuous photocount measurement. In order to remedy inconsistencies that appear in their approach, we redefine the ‘annihilation’ and ‘creation’ operators that enter in the photocount super-operators. We show that this new approach not only still satisfies all the requirements for a consistent photocount theory according to SD precepts, but also avoids some weird result appearing when previous definitions are used.