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402-0442-00L 10 Credits DR , MSC D-ITET , D-PHYS , D-MATL
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Quantum Optics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Tilman Esslinger
VVZ CR 4.6

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:58

Abstract

This course gives an introduction to the fundamental concepts of Quantum Optics and will highlight state-of-the-art developments in this rapidly evolving discipline. The topics covered include the quantum nature of light, semi-classical and quantum mechanical description of light-matter interaction, laser manipulation of atoms and ions, optomechanics and quantum computation.

Objective

The course aims to provide the knowledge necessary for pursuing research in the field of Quantum Optics. Fundamental concepts and techniques of Quantum Optics will be linked to modern experimental research. During the course the students should acquire the capability to understand currently published research in the field.

Content

This course gives an introduction to the fundamental concepts of Quantum Optics and will highlight state-of-the-art developments in this rapidly evolving discipline. The topics that are covered include: - coherence properties of light - quantum nature of light: statistics and non-classical states of light - light matter interaction: density matrix formalism and Bloch equations - quantum description of light matter interaction: the Jaynes-Cummings model, photon blockade - laser manipulation of atoms and ions: laser cooling and trapping, atom interferometry, - further topics: Rydberg atoms, optomechanics, quantum computing, complex quantum systems.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Selected book chapters will be distributed.

Literature

Text-books: G. Grynberg, A. Aspect and C. Fabre, Introduction to Quantum Optics R. Loudon, The Quantum Theory of Light Atomic Physics, Christopher J. Foot Advances in Atomic Physics, Claude Cohen-Tannoudji and David Guéry-Odelin C. Cohen-Tannoudji et al., Atom-Photon-Interactions M. Scully and M.S. Zubairy, Quantum Optics Y. Yamamoto and A. Imamoglu, Mesoscopic Quantum Optics

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
None

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Quantum Optics
  • Wed 09:45-11:30 (HPV G 4)
  • Fri 08:45-09:30 (HPV G 4)
3 h weekly
exercise Quantum Optics
Exercises start in the second week of the semester.
  • Mon 13:45-15:30 (HIT H 51)
  • Tue 07:45-09:30 (HIT H 51)
  • Tue 09:45-11:30 (HIT F 32)
  • Tue 09:45-11:30 (HIT H 51)
  • Tue 09:45-11:30 (HIT J 51)
  • Tue 09:45-11:30 (HIT J 52)
2 h weekly

Offered In