The module provides an introduction to atomic physics and quantum optics, discussing the links between both fields.

PHY2056 – Mathematical, Quantum and Computational Physics module or equivalent.

To provide an understanding of the fundamentals, links and recent developments in atomic physics and quantum optics.

Students will have an overview of modern physics of atoms and quantum optics. They will appreciate the physics of atom optics and the implications of the quantum nature of light, in particular concerning the interaction of light with matter. Students will finally have had an introduction to the principles of quantum computation.

Introduction and Background

-         Classical optics (Maxwell’s equations, diffraction and interference, coherence, nonlinear optics)

-         Quantum mechanics (formalism of quantum mechanics, quantized states in atoms, band theory of solids)

-         Radiative transitions in atoms (Einstein coefficients, radiative transition rates, selection rules, spectral lines, optical properties of solids, principle of lasers)

Atoms and Photons

-         Photon statistics (coherent light, quantum noise, squeezing)

-         Resonant light-atom interactions (two-level atom approximation, time-dependent Schrödinger equation, Rabi oscillations)

-         Atoms in cavities (optical cavities, atom-cavity coupling, weak and strong coupling)

-         Cold atoms (laser cooling, Bose-Einstein condensation, the Atom Laser)

Fundamentals of Quantum Computing

-         Quantum computing (quantum bits, quantum logic and states, applications of quantum computers

-         Quantum teleportation (entangled states, principles of teleportation)

24 hours of lectures, end-of-semester tutorial.

i.                C J Foot, Atomic Physics,  ( Oxford , 2005).

ii.              H Haken, H C Wolf, The physics of atoms and quanta: Introduction to Experiments and Theory, (Springer-Verlag, 2005).

iii.             H Paul, Introduction to Quantum Optics,  (Cambridge 2004).