Measuring the Quantum State of Light

by Ulf Leonhardt

Overview

Quantum mechanics sets fundamental limits on the amount of information one can extract from a system with a single set of measurements. Recent results of new theoretical analyses and optical experiments have given rise to a more complete knowledge of the quantum properties of light. This book gives the first detailed description of this fascinating branch of quantum optics. The author describes some key results and tools from quantum optics and then discusses the quantum mechanical description of simple optical instruments before giving a detailed treatment of quantum tomography. The book concludes with a chapter devoted to the problem of the simultaneous measurement of position and momentum. This book will appeal to graduate students and researchers in quantum optics as well as anyone interested in the foundations of quantum mechanics or more general problems of quantum measurement.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521023528
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/24/2005
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Modern Optics , #22
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.47(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. Quantum theory of light; 3. Quasiprobability distribution; 4. Simple optical instruments; 5. Quantum tomography; 6. Simultaneous measurement of position and momentum; 7. Summary; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"Leonhardt's book is recommended to anyone—beginner, intermediate, or advanced—who has an interest in quantum optics, in fields having analogs to quantum optical phenomena, or in quantum mechanics in general." Optics and Photonics News

"Ulf Leonhardt has produced an excellent book on the topic of quantum state measurement. He provides a sturdy framework for his discussion, while also giving very welcome advice on practicalities—something that can only come from a true expert. As a bonus, the reader gets some very interesting discussion of the structure and implications of quantum mechanics." American Journal of Physics

‘This book is the first to give a detailed description of this fascinating branch of quantum optics. The book is self-contained … Graduate students and researchers in quantum optics will find this a fascinating book. It will appeal to anyone interested in the foundations of quantum mechanics or more general problems of quantum measurement.’ B. Kühne, Optik

‘This is a well-written book; it makes easy and pleasant reading for both experts and physicists working in other areas … a useful reference tool for active researchers and a nice and valuable introduction for (graduate) students who are entering this area.’ M. G. A. Paris, Measuring Science Technology

'Quantum mechanics prescribes that there is a fundamental limit on the amount of information that can be extracted from a single set of measurements performed on a quantum object. As such, this book appears less restricted in its scope than it might first look, and in fact constitutes a self-contained source of knowledge for anyone interested or already working in quantum optics. The author focuses on two paradigms of state measurement, namely quantum tomography and the simultaneous measurement of position and momentum. The book also contains a valuable presentation of quasi-probability distributions and a description of fundamental optical elements such as the beam splitter and the homodyne detector.' Ulf Leonhardt, 'All-Time Favourites', Nature Photonics

From the Publisher