Measuring the Quantum State of Light

ISBN-13: 9780521497305 / Angielski / Twarda / 1997 / 208 str.

Ulf Leonhardt; P. L. Knight; A. Miller

Opis

Quantum mechanics sets fundamental limits on the amount of information one can extract from a system with a single set of measurements. Recent results of new theoretical analyses and optical experiments have given rise to a more complete knowledge of the quantum properties of light. This book gives the first detailed description of this fascinating branch of quantum optics. The author describes some key results and tools from quantum optics and then discusses the quantum mechanical description of simple optical instruments before giving a detailed treatment of quantum tomography. The book concludes with a chapter devoted to the problem of the simultaneous measurement of position and momentum. This book will appeal to graduate students and researchers in quantum optics as well as anyone interested in the foundations of quantum mechanics or more general problems of quantum measurement.

Recenzje

'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

Spis treści

1. Introduction; 2. Quantum theory of light; 3. Quasiprobability distribution; 4. Simple optical instruments; 5. Quantum tomography; 6. Simultaneous measurement of position and momentum; 7. Summary; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.