FY536: Quantum optics
Study Board of Science
Teaching language: English
EKA: N500020102
Assessment: Second examiner: None
Grading: Pass/Fail
Offered in: Odense
Offered in: Autumn
Level: Bachelor
STADS ID (UVA): N500020101
ECTS value: 5
Date of Approval: 13-04-2018
Duration: 1 semester
Version: Archive
Comment
Entry requirements
Academic preconditions
Students taking the course are expected to have knowledge of classical mechanics, electromagnetism and introductory quantum mechanics.
Course introduction
At the end of the course the student will have a firm foundation in modern atomic physics and quantum optics as well as knowledge of the state-of-the-art in experimental quantum physics. The course therefore establishes an important foundation for students who want to continue to study quantum theory at a higher level and/or focus on experimental physics in their master studies.
The course builds on the knowledge acquired in the courses FY5YY Electromagnetism, FY521 Introductory Quantum Mechanics I and FY522 Introductory Quantum Mechanics II, and gives an academic basis for studying the topics of modern quantum science, such as atomic & molecular physics, quantum optics, quantum information science and photonics.
In relation to the competence profile of the degree it is the explicit focus of the course to:
- Give the competence to understand and describe the world of atoms and photons using the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics.
- Give knowledge and understanding of state-of-the-art experiments in areas such as nonlinear quantum optics, ultracold atoms, quantum information & computation.
- Give skills to independently address and solve problems in modern quantum theory in preparation for future work on theoretical challenges in quantum optics and quantum many-body physics.
Expected learning outcome
The learning objective of the course is that the student demonstrates the ability to:
- Apply the formalism of quantum mechanics to describe atomic and photonic systems and their interaction
- Understand the implications of superposition, entanglement and non-locality both for the foundation of quantum mechanics as well as for applications in information & communication sciences.
- Apply the principles of quantum mechanics to quantitatively describe the outcome of different state-of-the-art experiments.
Content
The following main topics are contained in the course:
Quantum theory of light – what are photons.
Photon statistics and non-classical light
Atomic structure – atomic physics beyond the hydrogen atom.
- Relativistic effects in atoms – precision tests of QED.
Atom – photon interaction on the quantum level.
Nonlinear quantum optics – making photons interact.
Ultracold atoms & ions.
Quantum computation & information
Literature
Examination regulations
Prerequisites for participating in the exam a)
Timing
Autumn
Tests
Active participation in the tutorials
EKA
N500020102
Assessment
Second examiner: None
Grading
Pass/Fail
Identification
Full name and SDU username
Language
English
Examination aids
To be announced during the course
ECTS value
5
Additional information
Active participation in the tutorials, i.e. a number of presentations around the level of the total number divided by the number of students.
The prerequisite examination is a prerequisite for participation in exam element a).
The prerequisite examination is a prerequisite for participation in exam element a).
Indicative number of lessons
Teaching Method
The class consist of weekly 2-hour lectures and bi-weekly tutorials. The students apply the knowledge gained in the lectures within the 2 weeks to prepare solutions for problems provided via blackboard. The calculations and more details about the topics are discussed by all students and the teacher in the tutorials. The class focuses strongly on state-of-the-art experiments in addition to solid theoretical foundation.
Study phase activities: Bi-weekly tutorials, where students present prepared calculations which are then discussed by the whole study group.