Quantum optics describes the study of light and its interaction with matter on the level of individual photons and atoms. It forms the basis of modern quantum technologies, including quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. and it provides the framework of many fundamental aspects of quantum physics, such as coherence and quantum entanglement. In this lecture we will cover the central concepts of quantum optics and its applications, including:
• Quantization of the electromagnetic field
• Quantized light-atom interaction, Jaynes Cummings model
• The dressed state picture, quantum Rabi oscillations
• Wigner-Weisskopf theory of spontaneous emission
• Entanglement, EPR experiments and Bell’s Inequalities
• Schrödinger cat states
• Quantum teleportation and cryptography
• Quantum computing and simulation
• Quantum memories, dark states and slow light
• Atomic motion, atom interferometry
• Theory of lasers
• Super- and subradiance, Dicke phase transition
• Quantum master equation
• Quantum error correction
The lectures are supplemented with problem sets and a journal club.
Target group: Graduate students intending to pursue research with overlap in quantum physics, especially condensed matter and AMO physics.
Prerequisites: Background in physics or electrical engineering, including knowledge of introductory quantum mechanics.
Evaluation: Grades will be based on attendance of lectures, problem sets, and the presentations.
Teaching format: 2 lectures per week. The lectures will be supplemented by problem sets. In addition each student will present one research paper.
ECTS: 6 Year: 2024
Track segment(s):
Elective
Teacher(s):
Julian Léonard
Teaching assistant(s):
- Teacher: Julian Léonard