Generating non-classical states from spin coherent states via interaction with ancillary spins

The generation of nun classical states of large quantum systems has atracted much interest from a Foundational perspective, but also because of the significant potential of such states in emerging quantum technologies. In this paper we consider the possibility of generating non-classical states of a system of spins by interaction with an ancillary system, starting from an easily prepared initial state. We extend previous results for an ancillary system comprising a single spin to bigger ancillary systems and the interaction strength is enhanced by a factor of the number of ancillary spins. Depending on initial conditions, we find - by a combination of approximation and numerics - that the system of spins can evolve to spin cat states, spin squeezed states or to multiple cat states. We also discuss some candidate systems for implementation of he Hamiltonian necessary to generate these non-classical states. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.