Quantum Optics

The course aims to provide the basic notions and the analytical methods for the quantum
description of the radiation field, and its interaction with matter. The principal
quantum states of radiation are discussed, and measurement and interferometry processes
are described in detail. In particular, fundamental topics of quantum mechanics applied to interaction with single atoms and with circuits based on superconductors are examined
in depth. The course also includes a discussion on the relevant technological applications
of quantum optics in its more recent developments, such as atomic fountain clocks and the
practical use of squeezed states.

At the end of the course the student is expected to acquire the following knowledge:

1) The student will be able to discuss the quantization of the radiation field starting from classical electrodynamics;
2) He will be able to characterize the main observables and the most relevant states of the field
of radiation, classic and nonclassical;
3) He will know the basic elements of the quantum theory of coherence and of the radiation detection.
4) He will know how to describe the generation and manipulation of nonclassical states via parametric processes, with particular regard to the properties of squeezing and entanglement;
5) He will be able to discuss the dynamics of the radiation field as an open quantum system;
6) He will be able to discuss the models and the dynamics of the interaction of the quantized field
with atoms on two levels;
7) He will know how to describe various optical-quantum systems in fundamental experiments and in applications to quantum information.