Quantum Optics and Photonics - 2024 entry
| MODULE TITLE | Quantum Optics and Photonics | CREDIT VALUE | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MODULE CODE | PHYM015 | MODULE CONVENER | Dr 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.
Pre-requisite modules: PHY1023, PHY2022 and PHY3051.
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 | 5×6-hour packages | 1-8 | Discussion in class |
| 4 × Problem sets | 4 hours per set | 1-8 | Solutions discussed in problems classes. |
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
| Coursework | 0 | Written Exams | 100 | Practical Exams | 0 |
|---|
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 | Written, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination | Written examination (100%) | 1-8 | Referral/deferral 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
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Supplementary texts:
Gerry C.C. and Knight P.L. (2004), Introductory Quantum Optics, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-52735-4 (UL: 535.15 GER)
Loudon R. (2000), The Quantum Theory of Light (3rd edition), Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0198501763 (UL: 535.15 Lou)
Pedrotti F.L. and Pedrotti F.J.L.S. (2007), Introduction to Optics (3rd edition), Pearson Prentice-Hall, ISBN 978-0-131-97133-2 (UL: 535 PED)
Reading list for this module:
| 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 | Tuesday 21st May 2024 |
| 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.
