Fundamental Systems in Quantum Optics

This book focuses on the new concepts and techniques which have deeply revitalized the field of quantum optics in the last decade. It is now possible to manipulate a simple quantum system (a single atom, ion or molecule, or a single mode of the radiation field) interacting with a well controlled environment. Fundamental aspects of matter-radiation interaction, which up to now have remained hidden due to the statistical character of observable quantities, become directly accessible. The conceptual simplicity of those quantum systems paves the way to direct verifications of the basic prerequisites of the quantum theory. The topics discussed include cavity quantum electrodynamics, noise in quantum optics, laser cooling, non linear optics, multistability, quantum optics and relativity, cold atomic hydrogen atom and collective quantum effects, trapped ion crystallization. Related fields such as low energy tests of gauge theories, semi classical methods, quantum chaos, atomic aggregates etc. are also covered.
 
This book focuses on the new concepts and techniques which have deeply revitalized the field of quantum optics in the last decade. It is now possible to manipulate a simple quantum system (a single atom, ion or molecule, or a single mode of the radiation field) interacting with a well controlled environment. Fundamental aspects of matter-radiation interaction, which up to now have remained hidden due to the statistical character of observable quantities, become directly accessible. The conceptual simplicity of those quantum systems paves the way to direct verifications of the basic prerequisites of the quantum theory. The topics discussed include cavity quantum electrodynamics, noise in quantum optics, laser cooling, non linear optics, multistability, quantum optics and relativity, cold atomic hydrogen atom and collective quantum effects, trapped ion crystallization. Related fields such as low energy tests of gauge theories, semi classical methods, quantum chaos, atomic aggregates etc. are also covered.