Nonlinear Optics and Quantum Photonics
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the basic notions for the description of the interaction of radiation with nonlinear optical media, both in classical and quantum framework. Through the nonlinear optical response, the generation of new frequencies, the generation of single photons and non-classical states are discussed, and their quantum properties are studied. Also discussed are some modern applications of photonics, the propagation of radiation in optical fibers and the manipulation of optical signals.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will have acquired the following skills:
1) understanding of the phenomena of the nonlinear interaction between radiation and optical, both for parametric and nonparametric interactions
2) knowledge of the basic characteristics of pulse propagation in optical fibers
3) knowledge of nonlinear optics techniques for the generation of single photons and of non-classical radiation states
4) knowledge of the main applications of modern photonics and of optical signal manipulation techniques
1) understanding of the phenomena of the nonlinear interaction between radiation and optical, both for parametric and nonparametric interactions
2) knowledge of the basic characteristics of pulse propagation in optical fibers
3) knowledge of nonlinear optics techniques for the generation of single photons and of non-classical radiation states
4) knowledge of the main applications of modern photonics and of optical signal manipulation techniques
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
1) Origin of optical nonlinearity and of the linear and nonlinear electric polarization
2) Second order nonlinearity, generation of second harmonic and THz radiation, also with Periodically Poled crystals
3) Third-order nonlinearity and Kerr effect, four-wave-mixing and phase conjugation
4) Light propagation in fibers: self-phase modulation and generation of temporal and spatial solitons
5) Photonic devices and applications
6) States of the quantized electromagnetic field and their properties. Photons and electric field. Uncertainty principle
7) Quantization in the nonlinear medium and effective Hamiltonian
8) Parametric interactions and generation of photons from spontaneous down-conversion
9) Generation of non-classical states and squeezed states. Some hints on technological applications based on pairs of correlated photons.
2) Second order nonlinearity, generation of second harmonic and THz radiation, also with Periodically Poled crystals
3) Third-order nonlinearity and Kerr effect, four-wave-mixing and phase conjugation
4) Light propagation in fibers: self-phase modulation and generation of temporal and spatial solitons
5) Photonic devices and applications
6) States of the quantized electromagnetic field and their properties. Photons and electric field. Uncertainty principle
7) Quantization in the nonlinear medium and effective Hamiltonian
8) Parametric interactions and generation of photons from spontaneous down-conversion
9) Generation of non-classical states and squeezed states. Some hints on technological applications based on pairs of correlated photons.
Prerequisites for admission
Fundamental concepts of:
a) classical electromagnetic field and electromagnetic waves in vacuum and in linear media; b) elements of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, in particular for the description of the harmonic oscillator; c) basic notions on the quantization of the electromagnetic field.
a) classical electromagnetic field and electromagnetic waves in vacuum and in linear media; b) elements of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, in particular for the description of the harmonic oscillator; c) basic notions on the quantization of the electromagnetic field.
Teaching methods
The course is delivered through lectures and classroom discussions, possibly supported by PowerPoint projections. Attendance is strongly recommended
Teaching Resources
Books for reference and consultation on the topics covered in the course:
R.W. Boyd, "Nonlinear Optics" (IV ed), Academic Press
P.E. Powers, "Fundamentals of Nonlinear Optics" , CRC Press
C.G. Gerry and P.L. Knight, "Introductory Quantum Optics", Cambridge University Press
W.K.Hill , C.H.Lee , "Light Matter Interaction: Atoms and
Molecules in External Fields and Nonlinear Optics", Wiley
For some topics there are also materials that can be downloaded from a specific section on the University's ARIEL educational website https://fcastellioq.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/Home/
R.W. Boyd, "Nonlinear Optics" (IV ed), Academic Press
P.E. Powers, "Fundamentals of Nonlinear Optics" , CRC Press
C.G. Gerry and P.L. Knight, "Introductory Quantum Optics", Cambridge University Press
W.K.Hill , C.H.Lee , "Light Matter Interaction: Atoms and
Molecules in External Fields and Nonlinear Optics", Wiley
For some topics there are also materials that can be downloaded from a specific section on the University's ARIEL educational website https://fcastellioq.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/Home/
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of an interview that focuses on the topics covered in the course. During the exam, which lasts an average of 1 hour, both the competence and the quality of the exposure will be evaluated, as well as the critical and reasoning skills acquired by the student in understanding the phenomena of the interaction of the radiation field with nonlinear media, in the physics of signal generation at various frequencies and in the description of modern applications.
Professor(s)
Reception:
tuesday 14:30 - 19:00
Department of Physics, via Celoria 16 Milan (fifth floor, room A/5/C3)