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Study information

Quantum Optics and Photonics - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEQuantum Optics and Photonics CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHYM015 MODULE CONVENERDr Oleksandr Kyriienko (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 33
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module explores how light may be controlled and guided at the level of few photons. It describes how quantum physics may be harnessed in the future to offer new and exciting opportunities in manipulating light, including quantum computing and communication. This module will range over basic physics, mathematical formulation of quantum theory, and topical applications.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to develop a detailed understanding of the physics that underpins quantum optics and photonics, and learn the underlying mathematical language. It will explores solutions to problems from topics at the forefront of current optics research, such as the production and manipulation of light in non-classical states.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
A student who has passed this module should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge
1. describe the fundamental properties of light;
2. describe how sources produce light in special (e.g. coherent and single-photon) states;
3. explain the operation and applications of a range of photonic devices and systems;
4. solve problems involving the interaction of light with matter by applying quantum electrodynamics (QED);
5. explain nonlinear optical response and calculate some of its classical and quantum effects;
6. explain quantum teleportation and describe its significance for communicating information about quantum states.
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge
7. solve mathematical problems;
8. apply electrodynamics and quantum mechanics to devices, structures and systems.
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge
9. develop self-study skills;
10. solve problems.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
I. Quantum Mechanics
Dirac notation. Quantum evolution. Schrödinger, Heisenberg and interaction pictures. Composite systems and entanglement.
 
II. Quantisation of the Electromagnetic Field
Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves and their relation to harmonic oscillators. Quantum electromagnetic waves. Fock states. Electromagnetic zero-point energy.
 
III. Single-Mode Quantum Light
Field and quadrature operators. Optical microcavities and experimental setups.
 
IV. Single-Mode Number States
Uncertainty relations. Signal-to-noise ratio.
 
V. Single-Mode Coherent States and Their Relation to Classical Light
Photon number distribution and non-classical light detection. Electric field uncertainty. Displacement operator.
 
VI. Thermal Radiation and Fluctuations in Photon Number
Planck distribution. Statistical classification of optical states.
 
VII. Single-Photon Interference
Beam splitters. The Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
 
VIII. Two-Photon Interference and the Hong-Ou-Mandel Effect
 
IX. Light-Atom Interactions
Electric-dipole approximation. Perturbation theory. Absorption, stimulated and spontaneous emission. Theory of lasing.
 
X. Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Rabi model. Jaynes-Cummings model. Dicke model. Master equation.
 
XI. Coherence Functions
First-order coherence. Second-order coherence. Anti-bunching and single photon emission: theory and experiments.
 
XII. Nonlinear Optics and Non-Classical Light
Non-linear polarization. Parametric down-conversion. Squeezed states of light. Kerr-type nonlinearity.
 
XIII. Quantum Teleportation
The no-cloning theorem. Entangled photon pairs and Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen states. Quantum communication protocols. Teleportation.
 
XIV. Introduction to Quantum Computing
Qubits and quantum platforms. Quantum gates. Superdense coding. Quantum algorithms for computation. Phase kick-back and Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm.
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 22 Guided Independent Study 128 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 20 20×1-hour lectures
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 2 2×1-hour problems/revision classes
Guided independent study 30 5×6-hour self-study packages
Guided independent study 16 4×4-hour problem sets
Guided independent study 82 Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Guided self-study (0%) 5×6-hour packages 1-8 Discussion in class
4 × Problem sets (0%) 4 hours per set 1-8 Solutions discussed in problems classes.

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 0 Written Exams 100 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Final Examination 100% 2 hours 30 minutes 1-8 Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Whole module Written examination (100%) 1-8 August/September assessment period
       
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
An original assessment that is based on both examination and coursework, tests, etc., is considered as a single element for the purpose of referral; i.e., the referred mark is based on the referred examination only, discounting all previous marks. In the event that the mark for a referred assessment is lower than that of the original assessment, the original higher mark will be retained.
 
Physics Modules with PHY Codes
Referred examinations will only be available in PHY3064, PHYM004 and those other modules for which the original assessment includes an examination component - this information is given in individual module descriptors.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
ELE
 
 
 

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Extended Gerry, C.C. and P. L. Knight Introductory Quantum Optics Cambridge University Press 2004 978-0521527354
Extended Loudon, R. The Quantum Theory of Light 3rd edition Oxford University Press 2000 978-0198501763
Extended Pedrotti, F.L. and F.J.L.S. Pedrotti Introduction to Optics 3rd edition Pearson Prentice-Hall 2007 978-0-131-97133-2
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES PHY2022, PHY3051, PHY1023
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 16th February 2021 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 26th January 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH physics; quantum optics; photonics; optics; Maxwell's equations; electodynamics; quantum mechanics.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.