Abstract
We propose a robust scheme for generating macroscopic superposition states of
spin or motion with the aid of a single photon. Shaping the wave packet of the
photon enables high-fidelity preparation of non-classical states of matter even
in the presence of photon loss. Success is heralded by photodetection, enabling
the scheme to be implemented with a weak coherent field. We analyze
applications to preparing Schrödinger cat states of a collective atomic
spin or of a mechanical oscillator coupled to an optical resonator. The method
generalizes to preparing arbitrary superpositions of coherent states, enabling
full quantum control. We illustrate this versatility by showing how to prepare
Dicke or Fock states, as well as superpositions in the Dicke or Fock basis.
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