Quantum Optics and Information

Objectives

This course provides an introductory overview on the basic principles of quantum optics, their use to understand the fundamental mechanisms of light-matter interaction and the possibility to exploit these concepts to manipulate information in a completely new way. The course is conceived as a starting point for more specialistic studies and, in general, as a cultural survey over quantum technologies that will probably be at the basis of the future information society.

Syllabus

Quantum optics

1. Photon Statistics
2. Photon bunching and antibunching
3. Quantization of the radiation field: Coherent states of light, squeezed light and photon number states
4. Resonant light – atom interactions
5. Atoms in optical cavities

Quantum Information

7. Entangled states, Bell’s theorem, quantum teleportation
8. Quantum cryptography
9. Qubits and quantum computing

Assessment

The exam consists in an oral discussion.

This book is a very good introduction to the field. It is particularly suggested to those who are not too familiar with quantum mechanics. It covers most of the course, although often with a simplified treatment.

This book covers most of the course with a rigorous approach. It requires a good background in quantum mechanics. Sometimes it lacks of physical intuition and thus may be a tough start for those who do not have a solid background.