Quantum optics

The quantum optics course offers students a broad introduction to the principles and applications of quantum optics. It covers those aspects of optical science in which the quantum nature of the electromagnetic field is undergoing a renaissance. Examples of topics covered in these courses are: optical coherence, quantum effects in optical interferometry, the interaction of light with elementary quantum systems (such as atoms and quantum dots) in free space and in resonators, quantum effects associated with nonlinear optical interactions.

The lectures are supplemented by exercises. The course is taught partly at the VUB and partly online.

Contents

• Part 1: Statistical Properties of Quantum Light

• Chapter 1: Statistical Properties of Classical Fields
• Chapter 2: Quantum Theory of the Electromagnetic Field
• Chapter 3: Quantum States of Light
• Chapter 4: Quantum Theory of Coherence
• Chapter 5: Quantum Interferometry

• Part 2: Interaction of Light with Matter

• Chapter 6: Structure of Atoms and Their Interaction with Light
• Chapter 7: Weak Atom-Light Coupling
• Chapter 8: Strong Atom-Light Coupling
• Chapter 9: Classical Consequences

• Part 3: Applications of Quantum Light and Modern Topics in Quantum Optics

• Chapter 10: Quantum Information with Ions
• Chapter 11: Single Photon Sources
• Chapter 12: Parametric Source of Photon Pairs
• Chapter 13: Optical Computing with Linear Optics
• Chapter 14: Teleportation
• Chapter 15: Quantum Key Distribution
• Chapter 16: Super Phase Resolution and Super Sensitivity
• Chapter 17: Color Centers

After the course the student will be able to start reading specialized litterature in the field and understand conference presentations. (S)He will not only master the formalism of the quantum optics, but also understand the most important experimental techniques for generating and detecting quantum states of light. (S)He will be ready to start a PhD in Quantum Optics or any related field. More specifically, the student will get insight into the quantization of the electromagnetic field, quantum and classical coherence theory, direct and correlated photon counting methods, spontaneous emission and Purcell enhancement, few-photon interferometry, laser cooling and trapping of atoms, generation of single photons and photon- pairs, cavity quantum electrodynamics, quantum information processing.

Required and Corequired knowledge and skills

A good background in optics, statistics and quantum mechanics is required.

Mixed: on-site classes, online videos, online Q&A sessions

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

1 M. Fox, Quantum optics – An introduction, Oxford University Press (2006)
2 R. Loudon, The quantum theory of light, Oxford University Press (2000)
3 P. Lambropoulos and D. Petrosyan, Fundamentals of quantum optics and quantum information, Springer (2007)

4 J. W. Goodman, Statistical optics, John Wiley & Sons  (2000)
5 L. Mandel and E. Wolf, Optical coherence and quantum optics, Cambridge University Press  (1995)
6 M. O. Scully and M. S. Zubairy, Quantum optics, Cambridge University Press (1997)

Course notes

• Université virtuelle

Additional information

 

Contacts

Stephane Clemmen
Guy van der Sande

Campus

Outside campus ULB

Method(s) of evaluation

• Oral examination

Oral examination

 

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

 

Language(s) of evaluation

• english