Ultrafast Laser Laboratory

Physics 404

Physics 404 – Quantum Physics: Research Applications
Spring 2008 – Quantum Optics
MWF 11-11:50am   Small 240

 
 
Instructor:            Professor Jan Chaloupka
Email:                    jan@physics.wm.edu
Office:                   Small 339B (x1-3526)
Office Hours:       by appointment
 
Applications of quantum physics to modern research topics. The course will focus on areas (to be determined by the instructor) such as : electronic and magnetic properties of solids, atomic and optical physics, or nuclear and particle physics. May be repeated for credit when the instructor determines that there will not be a duplication of material.
 
Textbook:   Quantum Optics: An Introduction, Mark Fox, Oxford Master Series in Atomic, Optical and Laser Physics.
 
Homework: Problem sets will be assigned about every two weeks.
 
In-Class Presentations: Each student will present two topics to the class, one based on the historical development of quantum optics, and one on recent experimental work. Specific topic ideas must be approved in advance by the instructor.
 
Exams: The course includes one midterm exam and the final exam.
 
Grading:   Your grades will be determined by the following:
 
                   Homework                               20%
                   Midterm Exam                         20%
                   In-Class Presentations           30%
                   Final Exam                               30%
 

 
Week      Chapter          Topic                   
 
1/16                 1             introduction
1/23                 2             classical optics
1/28                 3             quantum mechanics
2/4                   4             atoms & lasers
2/11                                ** presentations **                  
2/18                 5             photon statistics             
2/25                 6             photon antibunching
3/10              7-8            coherent states & photon number states
3/17                 9             light-atom interactions
3/24                10            atoms in cavities
3/31                11            cold atoms
4/7                                  ** presentations **
4/14            12-13          quantum cryptography & computing
4/21                14             entanglement
 
 
Important Dates
 
1/30             topic #1 due
2/1               problem set #1 due
2/22             problem set #2 due
3/14             problem set #3 due

3/19             topic #2 due
3/28             problem set #4 due
4/2               in-class midterm exam
4/25             problem set #5 due
5/1               final exam

Click here for useful papers, files, etc.

 

© CHALOUPKA  5/2008