Description
This course provides an introduction to the field of quantum optics and studies the interaction of quantum mechanical light with matter. Strong emphasis is placed on modern experiments that serve to illustrate the phenomena that arise when both the atom and the light field are quantized.
Topics:
Field Quantization
Coherent States
Atom-field interactions: Rabi oscillations, Jaynes-Cummings model
Quantum and Classical Coherence
Interferometers and Beamsplitters
Single Photon Interference
Nonclassical Light and Squeezed States
Dissipation and Decoherence
Photon Pair Sources: Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer, experiments violating Bell’s theorem
Cavity QED: experiments with Rydberg atoms
Applications of Entanglement: Quantum teleportation, optical realizations of gates for quantum computation
Programme form
Lectures, literature discussion and homeworks
Literature
C. Gerry and P. Knight, Introductory Quantum Optics, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK (2005), ISBN 0 521 52735 X (paperback)
Schedule
Form of examination
Written exam
Prerequisites
Advanced Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics courses at the undergraduate (BSc) level
More information
Lecturer: Dr. M. de Dood (Michiel)
More detailed information will be available to participants via blackboard.