Abstract

We consider an oscillator subjected to a sudden change in equilibrium position or in effective spring constant, or both—to a “squeeze” in the language of quantum optics. We analyze the probability of transition from a given initial state to a final state, in its dependence on final-state quantum number. We make use of five sources of insight: Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization via bands in phase space, area of overlap between before-squeeze band and after-squeeze band, interference in phase space, Wigner function as quantum update of B-S band and near-zone Fresnel diffraction as mockup Wigner function