Signifying the nonlocality of NOON states using Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering inequalities

Abstract

We construct Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) steering signatures for the nonlocality of the entangled superposition state described by $\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\{|N\rangle|0\rangle+|0\rangle|N\rangle\}$, called the two-mode NOON state. The signatures are a violation of an EPR steering inequality based on an uncertainty relation. The violation confirms an EPR steering between the two modes and involves certification of an inter-mode correlation for number, as well as quadrature phase amplitude measurements. We also explain how the signatures certify an $N$th order quantum coherence, so the system (for larger $N$) can be signified to be in a superposition of states distinct by a mesoscopic value of the two-mode quantum number difference. Finally, we examine the limitations imposed for lossy scenarios, discussing how experimental realisations may be possible for $N=2,3$.