After successful completion of the course, students are able to understand the foundations of quantum optics. Quantum optics is the study of the intrinsic quantum properties of light. It provides the framework of many fundamental aspects of quantum physics, such as coherence and quantum entanglement, and it forms the basis of today's quantum technologies, such as quantum computing and quantum communication.

This course gives an introduction to the field of quantum optics and is targeted towards Master students in Physics. The lectures are combined with a weekly journal club. We will explore the quantum properties of light, its interaction with matter on the level of individual photons and atoms, and its applications in modern quantum technologies.

Specifically, we will cover the following topics:

• Quantum memories
• Dark states and slow light
• Theory of lasers
• Super- and subradiance
• Dicke quantum phase transition
• Quantum Master equation
• Quantum error correction
• Laser cooling of atoms
• Quantum optomechanics
• Atom interferometry
• Quantum computing and simulation with trapped ions and atoms

Lectures and programming exercises

The lectures take place on Thursdays at 11am c.t. The first lecture will be on Thursday, 14.3.2024.

All further information about the course will be announced via TISS. To receive this information, please make sure that you are registered for the course.

Oral exam at the end of the term. 

Basic knowledge in quantum mechanics (e.g. the lecture "Quantum Mechanics 1"), and atomic physics (e.g. the lecture "Atomic, Nuclear, and Particle Physics 1").

Quantum Optics I is advantageous but not mandatory.