Admission requirements
Quantum theory.
Description
Quantum optics is the foundation of many present-day quantum technologies like single molecule superresolution imaging and time-resolved spectroscopy, but of course also key for emerging quantum technologies: From quantum computing with superconducting qubits in microwave resonators, to quantum communications with single and entangled photons. All these examples require knowledge of the core of this course: light-matter interaction at the fundamental quantum level.
To understand quantum light-matter interactions, both the atom and the electromagnetic field need to be quantized (second quantization), and we show how this enables quantum control, manipulation and detection of quantum systems and qubits. Many interesting and highly relevant questions can be addressed within the framework of quantum optics because the calculations are relatively simple compared to other quantum field theories. This makes quantum optics ideally suited to test the foundations of quantum mechanics and probe the crossover between the microscopic realm of quantum physics to the macroscopic domain of classical physics.
Throughout the course a strong link is made between theoretical concepts and modern experimental research, also by the cutting-edge papers that students prepare and discuss.
The course covers the following subjects and topics:
Basics: quantization of the electromagnetic field, field quadratures, quantum measurement, operator ordering theorems
States of light: coherent states, thermal states, photon number states, quantum phase space distributions, Wigner functions, quantum phase operator
Types and sources of quantum light: squeezed light, single and entangled photons
Correlation functions: quantum and classical first- and second-order coherence
Quantum interference: quantum beamsplitter, Hong-Ou-Mandel effect, interferometers, homodyne detection
Quantum foundations: Quantum optical experiments, Bell states, nonlocality, Bell test
Quantum light-matter interaction: Rabi model, Jaynes-Cummings model, dressed states, quantum Rabi model
Cavity QED: Vacuum Rabi splitting, Purcell effect, single photon sources
Quantum applications: Quantum networks, quantum repeaters, quantum internet; Quantum computing basics, quantum advantage and qubit technologies
Course objectives
At the end of the course you will be able to:
Explain various quantum states of light (coherent, thermal, anti-bunched, squeezed, cat) based on the quantized electromagnetic field using quantum phase space, the Wigner function, photon statistics and correlation functions; and how different Hamiltonians generate such states.
Understand and be able to analyze complex quantum optics experiments, extract and understand the underlying physics (SPDC, HBT, HOM, resonance fluorescence, Bell, Rabi oscillations and cavity-QED experiments), and how they can be used for quantum information applications.
Calculate and explain the eigenstates of the Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian in the dressed-state picture and formulate decoherence of quantum states in terms of their density matrix.
Can explain how quantum light-matter interaction is relevant for realization of various emerging quantum technologies
Schedule
The timetables are available through My Timetable (see the button in the upper right corner).
Teaching method
See Brightspace
Assesment method
Homework, student presentations, final exam (written or oral).
Resit, review & feedback
Examinations are held twice during the academic year for each component offered in that academic year. Midterm tests cannot be retaken. The Board of Examiners determines the manner of resit for practical assignments.
For review and feedback, see Brightspace.
Reading list
C. Gerry and P. Knight, Introductory Quantum Optics, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK (2005), ISBN 0 521 52735 X (paperback). Also available via the Library
Additional lecture notes and papers will be distributed
Suggested additional reading for a more experimental perspective: M.Fox, Quantum Optics: An Introduction, Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK (2001), ISBN 0198566735 (paperback). Also available via the Library
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap (button in upper right corner) is mandatory. General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer(s) (listed in the right information bar).
Remarks
Following Quantum Optics, Theory of Condensed Matter, and Quantum Field Theory, at the same time, has proven to be very challenging. Don't hesitate to drop by to discuss your plans!
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.