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PHY2203H F SPECIALIZED
Quantum Optics I

Official description

PHY2203H explores atom-photon interactions with a semi-classical treatment: how does a quantum system respond to a classical drive field? We begin by discussing how an atom driven by an optical field reduces to a dipole interaction Hamiltonian. The atom-photon problem can then be mapped onto a spin one-half electron in a magnetic field, since both are driven two-level quantum systems. We develop the Bloch equations, Rabi oscillations, and magnetic resonance. Returning to the optical regime a treatment using density matrices is necessary to include the effects of damping. Dynamics of the density operator are described by the optical Bloch equations, with which one can understand a wide range of current experiments in atomic, molecular, and optical physics and solid-state physics. These quantum dynamics are contrasted to classical (Lorentz-model) dynamics, such as quantum saturation. In the context of a diagonalized atom-photon Hamiltonian, we discuss inversion, dressed states and light shifts. Applications of this foundational material include electromagnetically induced transparency, slow light, dark states, and laser cooling.

Prerequisite
PHY456 and PHY350, or equivalent
course title
PHY2203H F SPECIALIZED
session
fall
group
specialized course
time and location
Lecture: Mon 4-5pm and Wed 2-4pm, MP1115.
instructor
Braverman, Boris
Boris Braverman