Description
Book SynopsisThis book discusses quantum optics and investigates the quantum properties of interactions between atoms and laser fields. It is divided into three parts. Part I introduces the elementary theory of the interaction between atoms and light. Part II provides a concentrated discussion on the quantum properties of light fields. Part III deals with the quantum dynamic properties of the atoms interacting with laser fields. This book can be used as a text for both graduate and undergraduate students; it will also benefit scientists who are interested in quantum optics and theoretical physics.
Table of ContentsTheory of the interaction between atom and radiation field: three pictures in quantum mechanics description; two-level atom and the optical Bloch equation; quantized description of the radiation field; Dicke Hamiltonian and Jaynes - Cummings model; quantum theory of a small system coupling to a "reservoir". The quantum properties of light: coherence of light; squeezed states of light; resonance fluorescence; superfluorescence; optical bistability; effects of virtual photon processes. Quantum properties of the atomic behaviour under the interaction of the radiation field: collapses and revivals of the atomic populations; squeezing effects of the atomic operators; coherent trapping of the atomic population; quantum characteristics of a two-atom system under the interaction of radiation field; autoionization of the atom in a laser field; motion of the atom in a laser field; laser cooling.
