Nonclassical properties of odd and even elliptical states

As a generalization of the optical circular states, elliptical states which are quantum superposition of coherent states on an ellipse in the α plane are constructed. The statistical properties of the states are investigated by using sub-Poissonian photon statistics, quadrature squeezing, Wigner function and phase distribution. It is shown that the elliptical states exhibit stronger quadrature squeezing. The interference fringes between the coherent states form the elliptic annuli of Fock states in the Wigner function picture. The phase distribution is no longer uniform as the circular states. An experimental scheme is proposed for generating equidistant coherent-state superpositions on an ellipse for the motion of the center of mass of a trapped ion.