Authored by a highly regarded international researcher and pioneer in the field, An Introduction to Quantum Optics: Photon and Biphoton Physics is a straightforward overview of basic principles and experimental evidence for the quantum theory of light. This book introduces and analyzes some of the most exciting experimental research to date in the field of quantum optics and quantum information, helping readers understand the revolutionary changes occurring in optical science.
Paints a picture of light in terms of general quantum interference, to reflect the physical truth behind all optical observations
Unlike most traditional books on the subject, this one introduces fundamental classical and quantum concepts and measurement techniques naturally and gradually as it explores the process of analyzing typical experimental observations. Separating itself from other books with this uncommon focus on the experimental part of analysis, this volume:
- Provides a general overview of the optical coherence of light without quantization
- Introduces concepts and tools of field quantization and quantum optics based on the principles and rules of quantum mechanics
- Analyzes similarities and differences between classical and quantum coherence
- Concentrates on key research topics in quantum optics
- Explains photon and biphoton physics by examining the devices and experimental procedures used to test theories
This book is basic enough for students, but it also covers a broad range of higher-level concepts that will benefit scientists and other professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of practical and theoretical aspects and new experimental methods of measurement. This material summarizes exciting developments and observations and then helps readers of all levels apply presented concepts and tools to summarize, analyze, and resolve quantum optical problems in their own work. It is a great aid to improve methods of discovering new physics and better understand and apply nontraditional concepts and interpretations in both new and historical experimental discoveries.
Table of Contents:
Electromagnetic Wave Theory and Measurement of Light
Electromagnetic Wave Theory of Light
Classical Superposition
Measurement of Light
Intensity of Light: Expectation and Fluctuation
Measurement of Intensity: Ensemble Average and Time Average
Coherence Property of Light—The State of the Radiation
Coherence Property of Light
Temporal Coherence
Spatial Coherence
Diffraction and Propagation
Diffraction
Field Propagation
Optical Imaging
A Classic Imaging System
Fourier Transform via a Lens
First-Order Coherence of Light
First-Order Temporal Coherence
First-Order Spatial Coherence
Second-Order Coherence of Light
Second-Order Coherence of Coherent Light
Second-Order Correlation of Chaotic-Thermal Radiation and the HBT Interferometer
The Physical Cause of the HBT Phenomenon
Near-Field Second-Order Spatial Coherence of Thermal Light
Nth-Order Coherence of Light
Nth-Order Near-Field Spatial Coherence of Thermal Light
Homodyne Detection and Heterodyne Detection of Light
Optical Homodyne and Heterodyne Detection
Balanced Homodyne and Heterodyne Detection
Balanced Homodyne Detection of Independent and Coupled Thermal Fields
Quantum Theory of Light: Field Quantization and Measurement
The Experimental Foundation—Part I: Blackbody Radiation
The Experimental Foundation—Part II: Photoelectric Effect
The Light Quantum and the Field Quantization
Photon Number State of Radiation Field
Coherent State of Radiation Field
Density Operator and Density Matrix
Composite System and Two-Photon State of Radiation Field
A Simple Model of Incoherent and Coherent Radiation Source
Pure State and Mixed State
Product State, Entangled State, and Mixed State of Photon Pairs
Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory
Measurement of Light: Photon Counting
Measurement of Light: Joint Detection of Photons
Field Propagation in Space-Time
Quantum Theory of Optical Coherence
Quantum Degree of First-Order Coherence
Photon and Effective Wavefunction
Measurement of the First-Order Coherence or Correlation
Quantum Degree of Second-Order Coherence
Two-Photon Interference vs. Statistical Correlation of Intensity Fluctuations
Second-Order Spatial Correlation of Thermal Light
Photon Counting and Measurement of G(2)
Quantum Entanglement
EPR Experiment and EPR State
Product State, Entangled State, and Classically Correlated State
Entangled States in Spin Variables
Entangled Biphoton State
EPR Correlation of Entangled Biphoton System
Subsystem in an Entangled Two-Photon State
Biphoton in Dispersive Media
Quantum Imaging
Biphoton Imaging
Ghost Imaging
Ghost Imaging and Uncertainty Relation
Thermal Light Ghost Imaging
Classical Simulation of Ghost Imaging
Turbulence-Free Ghost Imaging
Two-Photon Interferometry−I: Biphoton Interference
Is Two-Photon Interference the Interference of Two Photons?
Two-Photon Interference with Orthogonal Polarization
Franson Interferometer
Two-Photon Ghost Interference
Delayed Choice Quantum Eraser
Two-Photon Interferometry−II: Quantum Interference of Chaotic Light
Two-Photon Young’s Interference
Two-Photon Anticorrelation with Incoherent Chaotic Light
Two-Photon Interference with Incoherent Orthogonal Polarized Chaotic Light
Bell’s Theorem and Bell’s Inequality Measurement
Hidden Variable Theory and Quantum Calculation for the Measurement of Spin 1/2 Bohm State
Bell’s Theorem and Bell’s Inequality
Bell States
Bell State Preparation
