View source for Quantum light: states and dynamics

This chapter is a study of the quantum properties of light,
specifically, single-mode monochromatic light.  We begin by
considering the states in which quanta of the electromagnetic field,
photons, may exist.  We describe how these states are mathematically
represented, and how they transform under simple physical operations,
such as propagation through free space, and through optical
beamsplitters.  We also consider how two modes of light may relate to
each other, in particular through entanglement, a purely
quantum-mechanical property which can be a useful resource.
Throughout this study of the quantum nature light, we develop an
intuition and a language for quantum states and behaviors which may be
applied not just to light, but also, to analogous states of matter.


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* L2: [[Photons and statistics]]
* L3: [[Non-classical states of light]]
* L4: [[Single photons]]
* L5: [[Entangled Photons]] ([http://cua.mit.edu/wikipost/20090222-215055/MIT-8422-lecture-5-chuang-entangled-photons-20feb09a.pdf 2009 pdf])
* L6: [[Interferometry and metrology]] ([http://cua.mit.edu/wikipost/20090224-231859/MIT-8422-lecture-6-interferometers-and-metrology-23feb09.pdf 2009 pdf])
* L7: [[Atoms and cavities]] ([http://cua.mit.edu/wikipost/20090226-173514/MIT-8422-lecture-7-atoms-and-cavities-25feb09.pdf 2009 pdf])

== References & Handouts ==

A good, modern book on quantum optics (and some atomic physics) is [http://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Quantum-Cavities-Photons-Graduate/dp/0198509146 "Exploring the Quantum: Atoms, Cavities, and Photons," by Haroche and Raimond].  See Chapter 3, "Of spins and springs" for a lively discussion about photons, and photons coupled to an atom.

* [http://prola.aps.org/abstract/PR/v130/i6/p2529_1 Roy Glauber's 1963 Phys. Rev. article on coherent states]

* Atom correlations and g(2)    [http://cua.mit.edu/8.422/HANDOUTS/Atom_correlations.pdf Lecture notes]            [http://cua.mit.edu/8.422/HANDOUTS/HBT%20with%20He%20nature05513-1.pdf Nature paper on 2007 experiment]         [http://cua.mit.edu/8.422/HANDOUTS/baym_HBT%20experiment.pdf Copies from Gordon Baym’s quantum mechanics book on HBT experiment with atoms]

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[[Category:Quantum Light|0]]
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