PX4222: Modern Quantum Optics
| School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
| Department Code | PHYSX |
| Module Code | PX4222 |
| External Subject Code | 100425 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L7 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Professor Stephen Lynch |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
To provide a comprehensive overview of modern quantum optics.
To provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art in experimental quantum optics and experimental techniques.
To explore current and future research directions.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Describe the essential features of how electromagnetic radiation interacts with a model quantum system.
Demonstrate an understanding of quantum optical experiments.
Demonstrate an appreciation of how this research field has rapidly evolved in the last 25 years.
How the module will be delivered
22 x 1 hr lectures, marked exercises.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Problem solving. Analytical skills. Mathematics.
How the module will be assessed
Examination and Continuous Assessment
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Spring Semester | 80 | Modern Quantum Optics | 2 |
| Written Assessment | 20 | Modern Quantum Optics | N/A |
Syllabus content
Introduction to Photon Statistics – dealing with small numbers of photons.
Photon bunching/anti-bunching: Hanbury Brown-Twiss experiments.
Coherent States and Squeezed Light.
Quantum Theory of Hanbury Brown-Twiss experiments.
Resonant Light – Atom Interactions: The two level system.
Cavity quantum electrodynamics.
Entangled States, Bell’s Inequalites and Quantum Teleportation.
Introduction to Quantum Computing.
Recent Advances in Quantum Optics.
Background Reading and Resource List
Quantum Optics, Mark Fox (Oxford Master Series in AOLP, OUP).
Elements of Quantum Optics, Meystre and Sargent III (Springer).
Quantum Optics, Walls and Milburn (Springer).
The Quantum Theory of Light, R Loudon (OUP).
Optical Coherence and Quantum Optics, Mandel and Wolf (CUP).
An Introduction to Quantum Computing, Kaye, Laflamme and Mosca (OUP).