An Introduction to Quantum Optics (Second Edition)

This book is for upper-level undergraduates and younger graduate students, using course tested material. It is also well suited for more senior people who are newcomers to the field. The only things assumed are basic principles of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, which are reviewed early in the book. The treatment is somewhat informal, hopefully presenting the simplest path to basic understanding, which can serve as a good foundation. Signposts to other physics and more rigorous approaches are mentioned, but not explored deeply. It covers the basics of quantum optics of open systems, i.e. real systems interacting with their environment via inputs and outputs. This means the quantum state of a system is described by a reduced density matrix rather than a wave function approach applicable for closed systems. This is the central departure from quantum mechanics and quantum field theory texts. Examples of the application of these techniques are discussed.

The second edition has added content in the early chapters on the basics, and the later, new chapters, discuss recent techniques from other fields that are now being introduced into the quantum optics/quantum information arena. The emphasis is on optical systems that involve a few atoms and/or cavity modes, where quantum noise effects are most noticeable. The interest is in fundamental limits imposed by nature, in terms of communication, computing, and metrology.