  We use the spatial degree of freedom of light modes to construct optical
analogues of generalized quantum coherent states for Hermite- and
Laguerre-Gauss modes. Our optical analogues preserve the statistical properties
of their quantum counterparts, encoded in their amplitude and phase
distributions. We explore three basic symmetries that provide generalized
displaced, rotated, and squeezed coherent states. Given the substantial
interest in squeezed states for probing matter, we believe that the optical
analogues introduced here have significant implications for optical sensing.
Specifically, the single-particle nature of our spatial modes makes them robust
candidates for sensing photosensitive materials. Overall, our approach opens
the door to optical metrology and sensing protocols that mimic those already
existing in the quantum realm, and facilitates further exploration of the
quantum state zoo through classical optical analogues.
