Quantum Optics
H. J. Carmichael · Photonics · 2015
The chapter reviews the simple quantum mechanics encountered in any quantum optics discussion: the quantum mechanics of the harmonic oscillator and the two-level system or qubit, along with their interaction. Then the quantum mechanics of light must deal with irreversible photon exchange, photo-emissive sources, and loss. The chapter covers the theme of open quantum systems, treating issues like inputs and outputs, Lindblad master equations, and the quantum regression procedure. Next, the notion of classical versus nonclassical fields is central to understanding the “quantum” in quantum optics. It arises through measurement, and photoelectric detection. The chapter addresses, where the heading is photon counting and the topics covered includes photon antibunching, homodye/heterodyne detection, squeezed light, and quantum trajectories. Finally, it explains, the theme is cavity and circuit quantum electrodynamics (circuit QED).