Quantum Optics

Knowledge:

• Describe the quantum state of a field in different bases, e.g. coherent state and Fock state basis,
• Explain the concept of quantum coherence of light,
• Account for coherent quantum optical phenomena such as Rabi oscillations.
• Understand properties and methods of generation of single photon, anti-bunched, squeezed and entangled states of light.

Skills:
The course aims to give a thorough introduction to the quantum mechanical description of the electromagnetic field and the interaction between light and matter. Specifically, after following this course, students should be able to

• Quantize Maxwell's equation in free space and identify useful mode functions in different geometries
• Analyse different photo-detection methods, like e.g. photon counting, homodyne and heterodyne detection, with emphasis on the measurement of non-classical correlations
• Explain and apply quantum mechanical input and output relations to beam splitters and interferometers,
• Analyse the interaction between atoms and the electromagnetic filed with semi-classical and quantum optical methods,
• Account for coherent quantum optical phenomena such as Rabi oscillations.
• Understand properties and methods of generation of single photon, anti-bunched, squeezed and entangled states of light.

Competences:
This course will provide the students with a competent background for further and more advanced courses within quantum optics and for carrying out an MSc project within the field. The topics covered in the course also have links to the fields of atomic physics, optics, condensed matter physics, and quantum field theory, and the course gives fundamental insight into the background of optical devices like, e.g., lasers.