Quantum and Advanced Optics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

A second year subject in electrodynamics equivalent to 640-225 Electromagnetism and Relativity (Advanced) or 640-610 Quantum Mechanics.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Optics and photonics are vibrant international research areas, advancing many aspects of modern life. From the determination of the structure and function of biomolecules to the study of stars and galaxies; from high-efficiency lighting to innovative display technologies, our understanding of optics relies on fundamental underpinnings in advanced quantum mechanics and wave theory.

The course includes the foundations of modern optical theory, including Fourier transforms in optics and diffraction-based imaging; non-linear optical processes such as generation of white light from femtosecond laser pulses, gigahertz optical modulators, and liquid crystal displays; light-atom interactions, the Einstein description of lasers, and optical Bloch equations; holography; quantumoptics including zero-point energy and vacuum fluctuations; quantum states of light and quantum squeezing; laser cooling of atoms, atom interferometry, and Bose-Einstein condensation.

Students will develop both analytic and computational problem-solving methods, the latter using standard tools such as MATLAB.

The objectives of this subject are to provide:

• understanding of classical optical diffraction theory and development of the ability to solve quantitative problems using the canonical mathematical techniques of that theory, in particular Fourier methods;
• knowledge of important optical and photonic applications of classical wave theory, in imaging and non-linear optical processes;
• understanding the semi-classical model of light-atom interactions, and its applications to laser theory and laser cooling of atoms;
• a rigorous understanding of the quantum nature of light, including both photon statistics and non-classical fields;
• an appreciation of the technological relevance of modern physical and quantum optics.

Four assignments totalling up to 36 pages of written work (20%), spaced equally during the semester, plus one 4-hour end-of-semester written examination (80%).

Fundamentals of Photonics, 2e, BEA Saleh and MC Teich, Wiley

The quantum theory of light, 2e, R Loudon, Oxford

Introduction to Optics, 3e, FL, LM and LS Pedrotti, Pearson

Introduction to Fourier Optics, JW Goodman, McGraw-Hill

Optics, 4e, E Hecht, Addison-Wesley

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of this subject, students should have gained skills in:

• analysing how to solve a problem by applying simple fundamental laws to more complicated situations;
• applying abstract concepts to real-world situations;
• solving relatively complicated problems using approximations;
• participating as an effective member of a group in discussions and collaborative assignments;
• managing time effectively in order to be prepared for group discussions and undertake the assignments and exam.

Students undertaking this subject will be expected to access a computer occasionally. Computational facilities will be provided within the School.