The Quantum Theory of Light / Edition 3

by Rodney Loudon

Overview

This Third Edition, like its two predecessors, provides a detailed account of the basic theory needed to understand the properties of light and its interactions with atoms, in particular the many nonclassical effects that have now been observed in quantum-optical experiments. The earlier chapters describe the quantum mechanics of various optical processes, leading from the classical representation of the electromagnetic field to the quantum theory of light. The later chapters develop the theoretical descriptions of some of the key experiments in quantum optics. Over half of the material in this Third Edition is new. It includes topics that have come into prominence over the last two decades, such as the beamsplitter theory, squeezed light, two-photon interference, balanced homodyne detection, travelling-wave attenuation and amplification, quantum jumps, and the ranges of nonlinear optical processes important in the generation of nonclassical light. The book is written as a textbook, with the treatment as a whole appropriate for graduate or postgraduate students, while earlier chapters are also suitable for final-year undergraduates. Over 100 problems help to intensify the understanding of the material presented.

To request a copy of the Solutions Manual, visit: http://global.oup.com/uk/academic/physics/admin/solutions

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198501763
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	11/23/2000
Series:	Oxford Science Publications Series
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	448
Sales rank:	1,079,060
Product dimensions:	9.14(w) x 6.65(h) x 0.98(d)

About the Author

University of Essex

Table of Contents

Preface1. Planck's radiation law and the Einstein coefficients2. Quantum mechanics of the atom-radiation interaction3. Classical theory of optical fluctuations and coherence4. Quantization of the radiation field5. Single-mode quantum optics6. Multimode and continuous-mode quantum optics7. Optical generation, attenuation and amplification8. Resonance fluorescence and light scattering9. Nonlinear quantum opticsIndex

Editorial Reviews

A detailed account of the basic theory needed to understand the quantum properties of light, bridging the gap between standard quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory, and statistical mechanics as taught at the undergraduate level and the theory needed to explain experiments in quantum optics. Much of the material is based on lecture courses taught by the author (electronic systems engineering, U. of Essex) to final-year undergraduates, first-year graduate students, and more advanced postgraduates and research workers. This latest edition provides treatments of the theory that include some shortcuts and omit more advanced derivations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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