Embracing the enhanced features of an ebook the authors provide a primer on quantum optics for students and those wanting an introduction to the topic. Whereas standard texts employ complex mathematics and static images, the authors use interactivity to augment understanding via a visual hands-on experience. Forty interactive figures allow exploration of different themes, while multiple representations give a window on quantum dynamics both at microscopic and macroscopic level, connecting understanding across length scales. Historical introduction and examples from modern research set these concepts firmly into both original and contemporary research context. This is an ideal text for final year undergraduate quantum optics students, and new graduate students in AMO physics, and researchers in physics and electrical/optical engineering.
Key Features:
- Interactive figures throughout
- Visual, hands-on content
- Multiple representations giving a window on quantum dynamics both at microscopic and macroscopic level
Quote: An Interactive Guide to Quantum Optics is a valuable resource for readers with a solid grounding in quantum mechanics and optics, as well as some prior exposure to quantum optics.
Michael Belsley, Departamento de Física, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal 2025 Contemporary Physics Taylor & Francis Group
This compact guide to quantum optics stands out for its broad scope and innovative use of interactive figures to follow the evolution of quantum systems [...] numerous physical insights make it an excellent tool for those seeking to transition from students to active contributors in the field of quantum optics.
Michael Belsley, Departamento de Física, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal 2025 Contemporary Physics, Taylor and Frances https://doi.org/10.1080/00107514.2025.2452494
Table of Contents:
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Introduction
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Discovery of quantum optics
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What is Quantum in Quantum Optics?
Part I One quanta
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One quanta
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Measurements: projective and non-destructive
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Fighting environmental noise and imperfections
Part II Two or more quantum
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Two photons
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Seeing entanglement: Counting and correlation
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Strong interactions
Part III Outlook
- Outlook
Appendices
A. Bloch vector
B. Density matrix
C. Rotations
D. The Rabi solution
E. Quantum regression theorem and two-time correlation calculations
About the Author :
Nikola Šibalić studied physics at the University of Belgrade, Serbia and received a PhD from Durham University, UK, before doing postdoctoral research in Denmark and France. Currently he dedicates his days working in the quantum computing industry as product manager and solution architect, and his nights to developing and maintaining an ever growing array of open-source tools for knowledge sharing and (re)use. He relaxes by practising classical mechanics in the form of swing dancing. Find out more at nikolasibalic.github.io.
C Stuart Adams studied physics at the University of Oxford and received a PhD on laser physics from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK. He completed postdoctoral work in Germany and the United States before starting a research group at Durham University in 1995. He was awarded the Thomson medal in 2014 by the Institute of Physics (IoP) and the Holweck Prize in 2020 by the French Physical Society and IoP for pioneering work in atomic physics and quantum optics. He is co-author of the textbook Optics f2f. Find out more at etotheipiequals.github.io and opticsf2f.github.io/Opticsf2f_CodeBook/ .
Together they co-authored previously Rydberg Physics, IOPP (2018)
Review :
This compact guide to quantum optics stands out for its broad scope and innovative use of interactive figures to follow the evolution of quantum systems.[...] Navigation through the book's rapid pacing is aided by two innovative tools. Interactive literature graphs available on the LabBricks website allow readers to explore the connections among influential references cited in the text. [...] A particularly unusual and thought-provoking feature of the book is its final chapter which shifts focus to the broader role of science in society. It emphasises the importance of accessibility in science, suggesting that tools and insights should be made available to wider audiences. [...] In conclusion, An Interactive Guide to Quantum Optics quantum mechanics and optics, as well as some prior exposure to quantum optics. Its strengths lie in its clear insights, its focus on the diverse roles of measurement in quantum optics, and its innovative figures, which significantly enhance the density of information conveyed.
Michael Belsley, Departamento de Física, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal 2025 Contemporary Physics, Taylor and Frances https://doi.org/10.1080/00107514.2025.2452494
