Optimal Joint Measurements of Position and Momentum
Abstract
The distribution of measured values for maximally accurate, unbiased simultaneous measurements of position and momentum is investigated. It is shown, that if the measurement is retrodictively optimal, then the distribution of results is given by the initial state Husimi function (or Q-representation). If the measurement is predictively optimal, then the distribution of results is related to the final state anti-Husimi function (or P-representation). The significance of this universal property for the interpretation of the Husimi function is discussed.
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