The Quantum Theory of Nonlinear Optics

A self-contained treatment of field quantization requiring no prior knowledge of nonlinear optics.

Peter D. Drummond (Author), Mark Hillery (Author)

9781107004214, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 27 March 2014

380 pages, 17 b/w illus. 10 tables 50 exercises
24.6 x 18.5 x 2.3 cm, 0.99 kg

'… [a] highly recommended textbook … The derivations are self-contained and mathematically rigorous.' Barry R. Masters, Optics and Photonics News

Playing a prominent role in communications, quantum science and laser physics, quantum nonlinear optics is an increasingly important field. This book presents a self-contained treatment of field quantization and covers topics such as the canonical formalism for fields, phase-space representations and the encompassing problem of quantization of electrodynamics in linear and nonlinear media. Starting with a summary of classical nonlinear optics, it then explains in detail the calculation techniques for quantum nonlinear optical systems and their applications, quantum and classical noise sources in optical fibers and applications of nonlinear optics to quantum information science. Supplemented by end-of-chapter exercises and detailed examples of calculation techniques in different systems, this book is a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers in nonlinear optics, condensed matter physics, quantum information and atomic physics. A solid foundation in quantum mechanics and classical electrodynamics is assumed, but no prior knowledge of nonlinear optics is required.

1. Classical nonlinear optics
2. Field quantization
3. Quantized fields in dielectric media
4. Microscopic description of media
5. Coherence and quantum dynamics in simple system
6. Decoherence and reservoirs
7. Phase-space representations
8. Single-mode devices
9. Degenerate parametric oscillator
10. Quantum fields in waveguides
11. Quantum propagation in nonlinear fibers
12. Quantum information.

Subject Areas: Optical physics [PHJ], Physics [PH], Mathematics & science [P]