• 054354 - ATOM OPTICS AND QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES

This course 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 atom-light interactions at a quantum level;

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

- discover the technology behind modern optical frequency standards;

 Applying 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 optics;

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

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

 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).

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 an oral discussion. The discussion will be based on 2-3 open questions, each on a different topic.

The aim of the discussion is to ascertain:

- the understanding of the physical basis of light-matter interactions;

- 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.

 The course will be concentrated in the second half of the second semester. The students can take the exam in the usual five dates along the year (two in the summer session, one in the autumn session and two in the winter session).