Quantum physics

• This lecture aims at the description of the interaction between quantum matter in its simplest form, an atom, and an electromagnetic field. A semi-classical approach, where the field is classical, is first considered, including relaxation of the atom. We then study the quantization of the electromagnetic field and its relaxation, before its interaction with an atom is described in a full quantum model.

Progress in experimental quantum physics has transformed thought experiments into reality, so that an exciting new question can now be asked : How can we harness the "strange" features of quantum mechanics - such as nonlocality, entanglement, and quantum measurement - in new applications ? In this new field, broadly called “quantum technologies”, new ideas and concepts are being put forward.

Since the 80’s, laser cooling has enabled the production of sub-milliKelvin dilute atomic gases - which can be further cooled to the nanoKelvin regime.

Philippe Goldner & Diana Serrano

Nicolas Bergeal & Arthur Margerite