Measuring the Quantum State of Light

Reviews / Votes

'Leonhardt's book is an important contribution to the literature ... In summary, Leonhardt's book is recommended to anyone - beginner, intermediate, or advanced - who has an interest in quantum optics, in fields having analogs to quantum optical phenomena, or in quantum mechanics in general.' John Hornstein, Optics and Photonics News '... the book will be a useful addition to experts and research students working in quantum optics.' Stephen Barnett, Contemporary Physics 'This book is the first to give a detailed description of this fascinating branch of quantum optics. The book is self-contained ... Graduate students and researchers in quantum optics will find this a fascinating book. It will appeal to anyone interested in the foundations of quantum mechanics or more general problems of quantum measurement.' B. Kuehne, Optik 'This is a well-written book; it makes easy and pleasant reading for both experts and physicists working in other areas ... a useful reference tool for active researchers and a nice and valuable introduction for (graduate) students who are entering this area.' M. G. A. Paris, Measuring Science Technology 'Quantum mechanics prescribes that there is a fundamental limit on the amount of information that can be extracted from a single set of measurements performed on a quantum object. As such, this book appears less restricted in its scope than it might first look, and in fact constitutes a self-contained source of knowledge for anyone interested or already working in quantum optics. The author focuses on two paradigms of state measurement, namely quantum tomography and the simultaneous measurement of position and momentum. The book also contains a valuable presentation of quasi-probability distributions and a description of fundamental optical elements such as the beam splitter and the homodyne detector.' Ulf Leonhardt, 'All-Time Favourites', Nature Photonics