Dynamics-based quantumness certification of continuous variables using time-independent Hamiltonians with one degree of freedom

Abstract

Dynamics-based certification of quantumness is an approach to witnessing the nonclassical character of some continuous-variable states, under the assumption that their dynamics is known. Contrary to other tests of nonclassicality for single systems, it does not require sequential measurements. This family of protocols was introduced for harmonic dynamics. In this work we discuss dynamics-based certification for one degree of freedom evolving under a generic time-independent Hamiltonian. We characterize the conditions under which such a certification is possible. Several examples are explicitly studied, some that are approximately harmonic in the limits of low energy (Kerr nonlinearities, the pendulum, and the Morse potential) and one that is not (the particle in an infinite well).