This book is a self-contained guide to the world of quantum optical processes which addresses different aspects relevant in quantum optics and quantum information. The basic descriptions, measurement techniques, possible sources, nonclassical features, practical implications and applications of the quantization of light and its interaction with matter, are explored. The observed quantum properties such as coherent superposition, entanglement, nonlocality, decoherence and no-cloning, are discussed. The quantum optical processes such as continuous variable entanglement swapping, teleportation and telecloning from which follow the practical aspects such as quantum gate operations, cryptography and error correction are considered. In turn, the advantages and inherent challenges including the foresight in implementing continuous variable quantum communication and computation protocols are highlighted. The author gives a concise background with corresponding applications, the necessary mathematical derivation, simplified examples, illustrations and demonstrations, and the relative interpretations and outlooks. This book is intended to serve a multi-disciplinary readership, namely the atomic physics and quantum optics communities who seek to extend their research to applications, especially, to the field of quantum information processing as well as the theoretical quantum information community who builds up research on physically realizable systems such as optical setups and various atomic schemes. The content of this book also attracts other communities such as photonics who seeks to link research with continuous variable quantum information processing.

Quantum information processing offers fundamental improvements over classical information processing, such as computing power, secure communication, and high-precision measurements. However, the best way to create practical devices is not yet known. This textbook describes the techniques that are likely to be used in implementing optical quantum information processors. After developing the fundamental concepts in quantum optics and quantum information theory, the book shows how optical systems can be used to build quantum computers according to the most recent ideas. It discusses implementations based on single photons and linear optics, optically controlled atoms and solid-state systems, atomic ensembles, and optical continuous variables. This book is ideal for graduate students beginning research in optical quantum information processing. It presents the most important techniques of the field using worked examples and over 120 exercises.

An in-depth and wide-ranging introduction to the field of quantum optics.

The dielectric microstructures act as ultrahigh Q factors optical cavities, which modify the spontaneous emission rates and alter the spatial distributions of the input and output radiation. The editors have selected leading scientists who have made seminal contributions in different aspects of optical processes in microcavities. Every attempt has been made to unify the underlying physics pertaining to microcavities of various shapes. This book begins with a chapter on the role of microcavity modes with additional chapters on how these microcavity modes affect the spontaneous and stimulated emission rates, enhance nonlinear optical processes, used in cavity-QED and chemical physics experiments, aid in single-molecule detection, influence the design of microdisk semiconductor lasers, and how deformed cavities can be treated with classical chaos theory.

Starting from first principles, this reference treats the theoretical aspects of quantum optics. It develops a unified approach for determining the dynamics of a two-level and three-level atom in combinations of quantized field under certain conditions.

This book explores the modern problems of quantum optics, and shows that, in simple optical systems, it is possible to obtain quantum states that are interesting from the point of view of modern quantum physics and quantum optics. In particular, the quantum behavior of the second and third harmonics and subharmonics generation processes is investigated, highlighting that, in subharmonic processes, it is possible to obtain Schrödinger’s cat-type states of light, which are one of the main problems of quantum physics. The book uses few formulas and mathematical conclusions, opting instead for a large amount of graphic material, in order to make the concepts explored easier to understand. It will be of interest to scientists working in quantum optics, as well as teachers and students of physics.

This is the first of a two-volume presentation on current research problems in quantum optics, and will serve as a standard reference in the field for many years to come. The book provides an introduction to the methods of quantum statistical mechanics used in quantum optics and their application to the quantum theories of the single-mode laser and optical bistability. The generalized representations of Drummond and Gardiner are discussed together with the more standard methods for deriving Fokker-Planck equations.