Academics
Dop Course Outline
OS7009 Quantum Optics
Last Revised: 2024-03-08
Course Objectives
Quantum optics is a field of study that explores the quantum properties of light and the interaction of light with matter. The optical field described in the language of quantum mechanics exhibits properties radically different from classical optics, showcasing intriguing quantum phenomena such as photon pairs with quantum entanglement and quantum interference. For practical application, quantum optics plays a foundational role in quantum technologies such as quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum sensing, pushing the boundaries beyond what classical engineering can achieve. This course will provide an overview of quantum optics, teaching how to use quantum mechanics to describe light fields and their interactions with matter. Students interested in related areas are welcome to join the discussion.
Prerequisite
Textbook 1. Gerry, Christopher, Peter Knight, and Peter L. Knight. Introductory quantum optics. Cambridge university press, 2005. 2. Fox, Anthony Mark, and Mark Fox. Quantum optics: an introduction. Vol. 15. Oxford university press, 2006. 3. Loudon, Rodney. The quantum theory of light. OUP Oxford, 2000. 4. Scully, Marlan O., and M. Suhail Zubairy. “Quantum optics.“ (1999) 5. Kok, Pieter, and Brendon W. Lovett. Introduction to optical quantum information processing. Cambridge university press, 2010. 6. Modern Atomic and Optical Physics II Lectures by M.D. Lukin, https://lukin.physics.harvard.edu/files/lukin/files/physics_285b_lecture_notes.pdf
Topical Outline 1. Field quantization
2. Quantum state of light
3. Beam splitter
4. Photon-atom interaction
5. Jaynes–Cummings model
6. Electromagnetically induced transparency
7. Quantum information processing
Prerequisite
Textbook 1. Gerry, Christopher, Peter Knight, and Peter L. Knight. Introductory quantum optics. Cambridge university press, 2005. 2. Fox, Anthony Mark, and Mark Fox. Quantum optics: an introduction. Vol. 15. Oxford university press, 2006. 3. Loudon, Rodney. The quantum theory of light. OUP Oxford, 2000. 4. Scully, Marlan O., and M. Suhail Zubairy. “Quantum optics.“ (1999) 5. Kok, Pieter, and Brendon W. Lovett. Introduction to optical quantum information processing. Cambridge university press, 2010. 6. Modern Atomic and Optical Physics II Lectures by M.D. Lukin, https://lukin.physics.harvard.edu/files/lukin/files/physics_285b_lecture_notes.pdf
Topical Outline 1. Field quantization
2. Quantum state of light
3. Beam splitter
4. Photon-atom interaction
5. Jaynes–Cummings model
6. Electromagnetically induced transparency
7. Quantum information processing
