PH5012
Quantum Optics
2019-2020
15
7
SCQF level 11
1
Academic year(s): 2019-2020
SCOTCAT credits : 15
ECTS credits : 7
Level : SCQF level 11
Semester: 1
Availability restrictions: Normally only taken in the final year of an MPhys or MSci programme involving the School
Planned timetable:
Quantum optics is the theory of light that unifies wave and particle optics. Quantum optics describes modern high-precision experiments that often probe the very fundamentals of quantum mechanics. The module introduces the quantisation of light, the concept of single light modes, the various quantum states of light and their description in phase space. The module considers the quantum effects of simple optical instruments and analyses two important fundamental experiments: quantum-state tomography and simultaneous measurements of position and momentum.
Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must ( pass PH3081 or pass PH3082 or pass MT2506 and pass MT2507 ) and pass PH3061 and pass PH3062 and pass PH4028
Weekly contact: 3 lectures or tutorials.
Scheduled learning hours: 32
Guided independent study hours: 118
As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 100%
As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 100%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 0%
Re-assessment: Oral Re-assessment, capped at grade 7
Module coordinator: Professor N Korolkova
Module teaching staff: Dr N Korolkova, Dr F Koenig
To introduce the unification of wave and particle optics in the context of the quantum theory of light. As a result the student will understand and use the basic tools of the quantum theory of light to describe the most prominent concepts and experiments in the field.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students will have a comprehensive knowledge of basic quantum optics
and will be able to apply this knowledge to the most important optical systems. In particular, they will be able to perform the quantisation of optical modes and will learn different single-mode quantum states of light. Students will master the phase space formalism of quantum mechanics with an example of Wigner function and other quasiprobabilty distributions will be introduced. They will become familiar with quantum-mechanical description of the most important linear optical instruments and their application in quantum-state tomography. They will be in a position to describe quantum mechanically such effects as absorption and amplification of light beams. Further, students will be able to account for the noise and other decoherence effects in simple quantum-optical systems using Lindblad's theorem. Students will acquire the understanding of such fundamental concepts as quantum entanglement and quantum non-locality from the quantum-optical perspective, for example applying quantum description to an optical instrument such as parametric amplifier, where entanglement of optical beams naturally emerges. In addition, students will be able to theoretically fundamental experiments in quantum optics, such as the violation of Bell inequalities and teleportation.
Synopsis
Introduction
Quantum theory of light:
Phase space quasiprobability distributions:
Quantum-state tomography:
Irreversible processes:
Quantum entanglement and non-locality:
Accreditation Matters
This module may not contain material that is part of the IOP “Core of Physics”, but does contribute to the wider and deeper learning expected in an accredited degree programme. The skills developed in this module, and others, contribute towards the requirements of the IOP “Graduate Skill Base”.
Recommended Books
Please view University online record: http://resourcelists.st-andrews.ac.uk/modules/ph5012.html
General Information
Please also read the general information in the School's honours handbook that is available via st-andrews.ac.uk/physics/staff_students/timetables.php.