NFYK13006U Quantum Optics
MSc Programme in Physics
The course introduces quantum optics, i.e. the quantum mechanical aspects of the interaction between light and matter. The photon concept is introduced with the quantization of the free electromagnetic field and the role of boundary conditions is analyzed. Measurement of field correlation properties by photo-detection are discussed, and simple input/output systems are analyzed. Quantum properties of light, such as photon anti-bunching, two-photon interferometry, squeezed, and entangled states of light are discussed. Spontaneous emission is treated by semi-classical perturbation theory and by quantum optical methods forming the basis for a description of cavity quantum electrodynamics. Rabi oscillations for a 2-level emittter driven by a strong laser fields are analyzed and several applications of quantum optics in quantum communication and quantum measurements are discussed.
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
- analyze 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,
- analyze the interaction between atoms and the electromagnetic filed with wemi-classical and quantum optical methods,
- account for coherent quantum optical phenomena such as Rabi osciallations.
- understand properties and methods of generation of single photon, anti-bunched, squeezed and entangled states of light.
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 osciallations.
- 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 a M.Sc. 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.
See Absalon for final course material. The following is an example of expected course litterature.
Selected chapters from "Introductory Quantum Optics", Christopher C. Gerry and Peter L. Knight, Cambridge University Press. Additional material handed out at the lectures.
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 28
- Preparation
- 149,5
- Theory exercises
- 28
- Exam
- 0,5
- Total
- 206,0
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 25 min
- Type of assessment details
- 5 minutes preparation time
- Aid
- Written aids allowed
Notes and literature allowed.
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
More internal examiners
- Re-exam
same as regular exam
Criteria for exam assesment
see learning outcome
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYK13006U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 3
- Schedule
- C
- Course capacity
- No limitation – unless you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student.
Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Eugene Simon Polzik (polzik@nbi.ku.dk)
- Emil Zeuthen (emil.zeuthen@nbi.ku.dk)
Lecturers
Eugene Polzik, Phone: 35 32 54 24, e-mail: polzik@nbi.dk
Emil Zeuthen, e-mail: emil.zeuthen@nbi.ku.dk