teaching

Quantum Optics

PHY972

The Quantum Theory of Light and its Interaction with Matter

PHY972 is designed to provide an introduction to the vast and rapidly growing field of quantum optics. The course is based on a quantum mechanical approach to describing the radiation field and its interaction with ensembles of two-state systems. The properties of lasers and the statistical properties of laser-generated radiation are addressed in some detail. The course will provide a framework for understanding a wide variety of optical phenomena including recent developments in squeezed states, quantum cryptography, and quantum computing.

Topics: Review of classical E&M, basic optical processes, rate equation, optical susceptibilities, spontaneous and stimulated emission, atom-field interaction, density matrix, cw-field interaction, coherent transients, optical coherence and correlations, quantization of the radiation field, coherent and squeezed states, dressed states, laser theory, semiconductor lasers, laser cooling and trapping, Bell's theorem, quantum cryptography, quantum computing. Subject to revision at the discretion of the instructor.

Prerequisites: PHY831, PHY851 or equivalent (statistical and quantum mechanics)

Not required, but helpful: PHY841 or equivalent (classical E&M)

Who should take this course: Graduate students in condensed matter theory and experiment; students with interests in resonance phenomena (NMR, ESR, coherent optics) and matter-field interactions; students with research interests in interferometry, spectroscopy, and light scattering.

Texts: "The Quantum Theory of Light" Loudon, 3rd edition (Oxford Press, 2000)

"Elements of Quantum Optics" Meystre and Sargent, 3rd edition (Springer Verlag, 1998)

Time: Spring 2001 - 1:00 - 2:20 pm, Tu-Th, PA 209

Office hours: Tu and Th 2:20 - 3:00 pm