Optical Coherence And Quantum Optics

This book presents a systematic account of optical coherence theory within the framework of classical optics, as applied to such topics as radiation from sources of different states of coherence, foundations of radiometry, effects of source coherence on the spectra of radiated fields, coherence theory of laser modes, and scattering of partially coherent light by random media.

A summary of the pioneering work of Glauber in the field of optical coherence phenomena and photon statistics, this book describes the fundamental ideas of modern quantum optics and photonics in a tutorial style. It is thus not only intended as a reference for researchers in the field, but also to give graduate students an insight into the basic theories of the field. Written by the Nobel Laureate himself, the concepts described in this book have formed the basis for three further Nobel Prizes in Physics within the last decade.

An in-depth and wide-ranging introduction to the field of quantum optics.

All optical fields undergo random fluctuations. They may be small, as in the output of many lasers, or they may be appreciably larger, as in light generated by thermal sources. The underlying theory of fluctuating optical fields is known as coherence theory. An important manifestation of the fluctuations is the phenomenon of partial polarization. Actually, coherence theory deals with considerably more than fluctuations. Unlike usual treatments, it describes optical fields in terms of observable quantities and elucidates how such quantities, for example, the spectrum of light, change as light propagates. This book is the first to provide a unified treatment of the phenomena of coherence and polarization. The unification has been made possible by very recent discoveries, largely due to the author of this book. The subjects treated in this volume are of considerable importance for graduate students and for research workers in physics and in engineering, who are concerned with optical communications, with propagation of laser beams through fibers and through the turbulent atmosphere, with optical image formation, particularly in microscopes, and with medical diagnostics, for example. Each chapter contains problems to aid self-study. Book jacket.

Authored by a highly regarded international researcher and pioneer in the field, An Introduction to Quantum Optics: Photon and Biphoton Physics is a straightforward overview of basic principles and experimental evidence for the quantum theory of light. This book introduces and analyzes some of the most exciting experimental research to date in the field of quantum optics and quantum information, helping readers understand the revolutionary changes occurring in optical science. Paints a picture of light in terms of general quantum interference, to reflect the physical truth behind all optical observations Unlike most traditional books on the subject, this one introduces fundamental classical and quantum concepts and measurement techniques naturally and gradually as it explores the process of analyzing typical experimental observations. Separating itself from other books with this uncommon focus on the experimental part of analysis, this volume: Provides a general overview of the optical coherence of light without quantization Introduces concepts and tools of field quantization and quantum optics based on the principles and rules of quantum mechanics Analyzes similarities and differences between classical and quantum coherence Concentrates on key research topics in quantum optics Explains photon and biphoton physics by examining the devices and experimental procedures used to test theories This book is basic enough for students, but it also covers a broad range of higher-level concepts that will benefit scientists and other professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of practical and theoretical aspects and new experimental methods of measurement. This material summarizes exciting developments and observations and then helps readers of all levels apply presented concepts and tools to summarize, analyze, and resolve quantum optical problems in their own work. It is a great aid to improve methods of discovering new physics and better understand and apply nontraditional concepts and interpretations in both new and historical experimental discoveries.

Publisher Description

This volume presents the written versions of papers that were delivered at the Third Rochester Conference on Coherence and Quantum Optics, held on the campus of the University of Rochester during the three days of June 21-23, 1972. The Conference was a sequel to two earlier meetings devoted to the same field of modern physics, that were also held in Rochester in 1960 and in 1966. The scope of the Conference was largely confined to basic pro blems in the general area of optical coherence and quantum optics, and excluded engineering applications that are well covered by other meetings. Approximately 250 scientists from 9 countries participated, most of whom are active workers in the field. Alto gether 72 papers, including 26 invited papers, were presented in 17 sessions. The papers dealt mainly with the subjects of resonant pulse propagation, lasers, quantum electrodynamics and alternative theories, optical coherence, coherence effects in spontaneous emis sion, light scattering, optical correlation and fluctuation measure ments, coherent light interactions and quantum noise. The program was organized by a committee consisting of N. Bloembergen (Harvard University) J. H. Eberly (University of Rochester) E. L. Hahn (University of California at Berkeley) H. Haken (University of Stuttgart, Germany) M. Lax (City College of New York) B. J. Thompson (University of Rochester) L. Mandel (University of Rochester) }J'oint secretaries E.

The Seventh Rochester Conference on Coherence and Quantum Optics was held on the campus of the University of Rochester during the four-day period June 7 - 10, 1996. More than 280 scientists from 33 countries participated. This book contains the Proceedings of the meeting. This Conference differed from the previous six in the series in having only a limited number of oral presentations, in order to avoid too many parallel sessions. Another new feature was the introduction of tutorial lectures. Most contributed papers were presented in poster sessions. The Conference was sponsored by the American Physical Society, by the Optical Society of America, by the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics and by the University of Rochester. We wish to express our appreciation to these organizations for their support and we especially extend our thanks to the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics for providing financial assistance to a number of speakers from Third World countries, to enable them to take part in the meeting.