Quantum optics

This course covers foundational and advanced topics in quantum description of light fields, covering key representations of quantum states such as the density operator and quasi-probability distribution. Students will delve into coherence, correlation functions, and quantum measurement techniques, including photon counting and homodyne detection. It explores single- and multi-mode nonlinear processes such producing squeezing, entanglement, and heralded non-Gaussian states with applications to quantum information technologies.

The last part introduces quantum optomechanics, emphasizing how electromagnetic fields couple to mechanical resonators through radiation pressure, along with discussions of quantum noise and backaction. Topics include cavity optomechanics, spectral analysis, and circuit quantum acousto-dynamics.