Introductory Quantum Optics

This established textbook provides an accessible but comprehensive introduction to the quantum nature of light and its interaction with matter. The field of quantum optics is covered with clarity and depth, from the underlying theoretical framework of field quantization, atom–field interactions, and quantum coherence theory, to important and modern applications at the forefront of current research such as quantum interferometry, squeezed light, quantum entanglement, cavity quantum electrodynamics, laser-cooled trapped ions, and quantum information processing. The text is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and would be an ideal main text for a course on quantum optics. This long-awaited second edition builds upon the success of the first edition, including many new developments in the field, particularly in the area of quantum state engineering. Additional homework problems have been added, and content from the first edition has been updated and clarified throughout.

Table of Contents:
Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Field quantization; 3. Coherent states; 4. Emission and absorption of radiation by atoms; 5. Quantum coherence functions; 6. Beam splitters and interferometers; 7. Nonclassical light; 8. Dissipative interactions and decoherence; 9. Optical test of quantum mechanics; 10. Experiments in cavity QED and with trapped ions; 11. Applications of entanglement: Heisenberg-limited interferometry and quantum information processing; Appendix A. The density operator, entangled states, the Schmidt decomposition, and the von Neumann entropy; Appendix B. Quantum measurement theory in a (very small) nutshell; Appendix C. Derivation of the effective Hamiltonian for dispersive (far off-resonant) interactions; Appendix D. Nonlinear optics and spontaneous parametric down conversion; Index.

About the Author :
Christopher C. Gerry is Professor of Physics at Lehman College, City University of New York. He was one of the first to exploit the use of group theoretical methods in quantum optics, and is a highly respected researcher and lecturer in the field. He has written well-regarded books, both for advanced students and researchers, and for a more general audience. Sir Peter L. Knight FRS is Emeritus Professor at Imperial College London, a past president of the Institute of Physics, 2004 President of the Optical Society of America, Chair of the UK National Quantum Technology Programme Strategy Advisory Board, and Chair of the Quantum Metrology Institute at the National Physical Laboratory. His research centers on quantum technology and quantum optics and he has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Thomas Young Medal and Glazebrook Medal of the Institute of Physics, Optica's Frederic Ives Medal and Herbert Walther Award, the Royal Medal of the Royal Society, and the Faraday Medal of the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Review :
'Quantum technology is transitioning from the research laboratory into the commercial world. Scientists and engineers are learning new languages to understand how quantum will impact applications. Beyond the math, what I love about this book are the words highlighting both the intuitive and non-intuitive science, essential understanding for progressing the transition from quantum science to quantum technology.' Miles Padgett, University of Glasgow 'The book is absolutely a pleasure, with a wide coverage of the field including important developments such as optical tests of the foundational aspects of quantum mechanics, Heisenberg limited metrology, quantum gates, and decoherence. The simplicity with which deeper concepts are introduced is truly remarkable. It deserves to be on the shelf of everyone interested in the new quantum revolution of the twenty-first century.' Girish S. Agarwal, Texas A & M University