Quantum Optics 2

Course guarantor:

Igor Jex

Lecturer:

Václav Potoček

Tutor:

Václav Potoček

Supervisor:

Department of Physics

Synopsis:

This course completes Quantum Optics 1 by teaching the terminology and computational methods related to the reformulation of Quantum Optics in phase space. It also extends the application areas to continuum modes and dissipative processes. A concise survey of modern research topics in both theoretical and practical parts of Quantum Optics as well as its applications in further experimental research is also provided.

Requirements:

Zápočet: active participation in seminars with a contribution comprising demonstrating solutions to exercises in class (prepared in homework). The required amount of such exercises is determined by fair share of the total among the number of enrolled students. Absence when scheduled for presentation can be compensated by an equivalent of the full demonstration in text form or scanned. If the criteria are met, zápočet is awarded in batch after last seminar class.

Examination: conditioned by a fulfilled zápočet. The grade is 100% formed by performance in oral examination in a randomly drawn pair of topical areas (with time for individual preparation) and possible supplementary questions. Possibility of a complete replacement of one of the two topics, at the expense of the maximum achievable grade.

Syllabus of lectures:

1. Dissipative processes, Wigner-Weisskopf model, Fermis golden rule

2. Field emitted by atoms, light attenuation and amplification in medium

3. Formation and properties of laser light

4. Phase space and quasi-distribution functions: Glauber-Sudarshan, Husimi

5. Wigner function

6. Quantum-optical operations as phase-space transformations

7. Mechanical effects of light on atoms, laser cooling, dipole optical traps

8. Manifestations of atomic coherence

9. Photons as quantum information carriers, quantum communication

10. Optical beam cross-section, spin and orbital angular momentum of light, angular momentum manipulating optical elements

11-12. Quantum optics and measurement, fundamental quantum experiments

13. Ion-trap quantum computing

Syllabus of tutorials:

Solving problems to illustrate the theory from the lecture

Study Objective:

After successful completion of this course, students should be able to quickly understand even advanced texts in current research in theoretical quantum optics.

Study materials:

Accompanying literature:

[1] V. Potoček: Kvantová optika (lecture script in preparation, CZECH ONLY)

Primary sources:

[2] M.O. Scully, M.S. Zubairy: Quantum Optics (Cambridge University Press 1997)

[3] R. Loudon: The Quantum Theory of Light (Oxford University Press 2000)

[4] Paul H.: Introduction to Quantum optics (Cambridge University Press 2004)

[5] S. M. Barnett, P. M. Radmore: Methods in Theoretical Quantum Optics, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2002

Further recommended literature:

[6] L. Mandel, E. Wolf: Optical coherence and quantum optics (Cambridge University Press 1995)

[7] G. S. Agarwal: Quantum Optics (Cambridge University Press 2012)

[8] G. New: Introduction to Nonlinear Optics, (Cambridge University Press 2011)

Note:

Time-table for winter semester 2025/2026:

Time-table is not available yet

Time-table for summer semester 2025/2026:

Time-table is not available yet

The course is a part of the following study plans:

• Matematická fyzika (elective course)
• Kvantové technologie (compulsory course in the program)