Difference between revisions of "Quantum light: states and dynamics"

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(Added tag: 'phase probability')
 
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This chapter is a study of the quantum properties of light,
 
This chapter is a study of the quantum properties of light,
 
specifically, single-mode monochromatic light.  We begin by
 
specifically, single-mode monochromatic light.  We begin by
considering the states in which quanta of the electromatic field,
+
considering the states in which quanta of the electromagnetic field,
 
photons, may exist.  We describe how these states are mathematically
 
photons, may exist.  We describe how these states are mathematically
 
represented, and how they transform under simple physical operations,
 
represented, and how they transform under simple physical operations,
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applied not just to light, but also, to analogous states of matter.
 
applied not just to light, but also, to analogous states of matter.
  
* [[Chapter2-quantum-light-part-1| Photons and statistics]] ([http://cua.mit.edu/8.422/HANDOUTS/chapter2-quantum-light-part-1.pdf 2007 pdf])
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* [[Chapter2-quantum-light-part-2| Non-classical light; squeezed states]] ([http://cua.mit.edu/8.422/HANDOUTS/chapter2-quantum-light-part-2.pdf 2007 pdf])
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<categorytree mode=pages style="float:right; clear:right; margin-left:1ex; border:1px solid gray; padding:0.7ex; background-color:white;" hideprefix=auto>8.422</categorytree>
* [[Chapter2-quantum-light-part-3| Single photons]] ([http://cua.mit.edu/8.422/HANDOUTS/chapter2-quantum-light-part-3.pdf 2007 pdf])
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* [[Chapter2-quantum-light-part-4| Entangled photons]] ([http://cua.mit.edu/8.422/HANDOUTS/chapter2-quantum-light-part-4.pdf 2007 pdf])
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* L2: [[Photons and statistics]]
* [[Chapter2-quantum-light-part-5-interferometry| Interferometry and metrology]] ([http://cua.mit.edu/8.422/HANDOUTS/chapter2-quantum-light-part-5-interferometry.pdf 2007 pdf])
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* L3: [[Non-classical states of light]]
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* L4: [[Single photons]]
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* L5: [[Entangled Photons]] ([http://cua.mit.edu/wikipost/20090222-215055/MIT-8422-lecture-5-chuang-entangled-photons-20feb09a.pdf 2009 pdf])
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* L6: [[Interferometry and metrology]] ([http://cua.mit.edu/wikipost/20090224-231859/MIT-8422-lecture-6-interferometers-and-metrology-23feb09.pdf 2009 pdf])
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* L7: [[Atoms and cavities]] ([http://cua.mit.edu/wikipost/20090226-173514/MIT-8422-lecture-7-atoms-and-cavities-25feb09.pdf 2009 pdf])
  
 
== References & Handouts ==
 
== References & Handouts ==
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* [http://prola.aps.org/abstract/PR/v130/i6/p2529_1 Roy Glauber's 1963 Phys. Rev. article on coherent states]
 
* [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 mechanic book on HBT experiment with atoms]
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* 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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[[Category:phase probability]]

Latest revision as of 14:50, 23 February 2015

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.


References & Handouts

A good, modern book on quantum optics (and some atomic physics) is "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.