Part 1: Quantum Optics and Information 

This part of the 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 as in quantum communication and quantum computation protocols. The course is conceived as a starting point for more specialistic studies and, in general, as a cultural survey over quantum technologies that will be at the basis of the future information society.

Part 2: Atom Optics and Quantum Technologies 

This part explores some of the advanced technologies enabling development of modern quantum optics and physics. An introductory review of quantum theory provides the students with the necessary theoretical background. The following topics cover the tools and techniques that have been used for electromagnetic control of atomic motion and some relevant experimental applications.

Knowledge and understanding (DD1)

Attending the lectures and passing the exam will allow the student to:

- understand the physical basis of quantum optical phenomena;

- learn the fundamental mechanisms governing light-matter interaction; 

- learn the principles and the main protocols of quantum information;

- learn the fundamental tools and techniques for manipulation of atoms and molecules; 

- discover the technology behind modern optical frequency standards;

Apply knowledge and understanding (DD2)

The student will be able to apply the basic knowledge described above to:

- explain the operating principles of some prototypal optical devices developed for quantum information;

- deepen the understanding of physical phenomena encountered in other courses with a new perspective;

- design the basic layout of a laser cooling device and ions trap;

- transfer the physical concepts to applications requiring manipulation of atoms;

- follow with greater awareness the new trends in the high-tech market (from quantum communications to quantum computing) dealing with quantum technologies.

Communication skills (DD4)

The completely oral exam and the possibility to present one topic at the student's choice before the general discussion, will force the student to learn how to organize and deliver an effective scientific presentation. 

Lifelong learning skills (DD5)

Students will be capable to autonomously follow with greater awareness the new trends in the high-tech market dealing with atom optics and quantum technologies (from quantum communications to quantum computing).

PART 1 

Quantum optics

1. Photon Statistics.
2. Photon bunching and antibunching: Hanbury-Brown and Twiss interferometer.
3. Quantization of the elecromagnetic field: from Maxwell's equations to quantum operators.
4. Quantum states of light: Photon number states, coherent light and squeezed light.
5. Quantum description of an optical beam splitter.
6. Resonant light – atom interactions: Jaynes-Cummings model, absorption, stimulated and spontaneous emission.
7. Atoms in optical cavities: dressed states, Rabi oscillations, collapse and revivals.

Quantum Information

8. Single photon sources.
9. Quantification of photon indistinguishability by the Hong-Ou-Mandel effect.
10. Entangled states: generation by spontaneous parametric down conversion.
11. Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox and Bell’s theorem
12. Quantum teleportation.
13. Quantum cryptography: BB84 protocol
14. Qubits and quantum computing: Deutsch's algorithm, Grover's algorithm, Shor's algorithm

PART 2

Quantum theory of atom-light interactions

1. Basic concepts and definitions
2. Optical Bloch equations
3. Force on two-level atoms

Optical cooling and trapping of atoms and molecules

4. General properties concerning laser cooling
5. Photon recoil and Doppler cooling
6. Optical molasses, sub-Doppler cooling, magneto-optic trap (MOT)
7. Cooling and trapping of ions
8. Molecular cooling: direct and indirect methods

Applications

9. Atomic fountains clocks
10. Optical clocks and optical frequency combs.
11. Bose-Einstein condensation and atom laser
12. Quantum simulations with cold atoms and ions

No pre-requisites are formally requested. However, a basic understanding of quantum mechanics and his formalism may be useful.

The exam consists in two separate oral discussions on Part 1 and 2, with the corresponding teachers. The discussion will be based on 2-3 open questions, each on a different topic. The student can start with a presentation on a topic of the course at his choice.

The aim of the discussion is to ascertain:

- the understanding of the physical basis of quantum optics and information;

- the knowledge of the definitions, theorems and general concepts related to quantum optics and quantum information;

- the capability to discuss, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the quantum physical models and protocols relevant for the course.

- the comprehension of the experimental techniques for laser cooling and trapping of atoms and molecules

- the understanding of relevant applications of atom optics and quantum technologies

Part 1 and 2 of the course will be concentrated in the first and second half of the second semester, respectively. Students can take the whole exam in the usual five dates along the year (two in summer session, one in autumn session and two in winter session). In addition, there will be the possibility to take the exam related to Part 1 during the suspension from lectures (in-course tests), typically at around the second half of April; the exam related to Part 2 can also be taken separately at the end of the course.

This book covers the first part 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.

This book is a very good introduction to the first part of the course. 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 partially covers the content of the second part of the course

This book partially covers the content of the second part of the course

This book partially covers the content of the second part of the course