Program Overview

Advanced Quantum Optics and Photonics

Course Description

The course introduces students to advanced topics in quantum optics, especially in solid-state nanophotonic systems. It provides a detailed description of the quantum treatment of light-matter interaction and an introduction to relevant research topics such as quantum electrodynamics with quantum dots and photonic quantum information processing.

Course Content

The interaction between photons, phonons, and artificial atoms such as quantum dots will be the core topic of the course. Other topics include:

• The Wigner-Weisskopf theory of spontaneous emission in nanostructures.
• Master equation and Heisenberg-Langevin equations. Decoherence.
• Nanophotonic control of light-matter interaction.
• Introduction to solid-state quantum emitters (quantum dots).
• Introduction to quantum optomechanics.
• Introduction to photonic quantum information processing.

Learning Outcome

The aim of the course is to bring students to a level where they are capable of comprehending modern research literature on quantum optics and quantum nanophotonics. The course will provide the following knowledge and skills:

Knowledge:

• Understanding of open systems and the noise and losses introduced due to interactions with reservoirs.
• Basics of solid-state quantum emitters
• Fundamentals of quantum light-matter interactions in nanophotonic systems
• Description of quantum optomechanics system

Skills:

• Ability to select photonic structures to enhance quantum optical interactions, based on an understanding of nanophotonic structures and how these are numerically modelled.
• Ability to describe and operate a photoluminescence setup for quantum dot characterization.
• The ability to model quantum light-matter interactions in quasi-one-dimensional nanophotonic systems.
• An understanding of the experimental aspects of quantum information processing with photons and the basics of quantum photonic integrated circuits.

Competences:

The competences acquired during this course will put the student in the position to do experimental research in a modern quantum optics laboratory.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures and exercises including small group projects.

Literature

Will be announced later.

Recommended Prerequisites

It is recommended that students have followed the Quantum Optics course or similar. It is assumed that students have a good background in quantum mechanics, e.g., through following the physics curriculum for the first three years or similar. Also, it may be an advantage if students have followed a course on Optical Physics and Lasers. Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree are recommended.

Exam

• Type of assessment: Oral examination, 25 minutes (no preparation time)
• Type of assessment details: The student presents a selected research paper, which is given in advance. The student is expected to talk about the paper for approximately 12 minutes, followed by a discussion of the research topics covered by the paper and by the course curriculum. There is no preparation time.
• Aid: Written aids allowed
• Marking scale: 7-point grading scale
• Censorship form: No external censorship, several internal examiners
• Re-exam: Same as ordinary exam

Criteria for Exam Assessment

See learning outcome.

Course Type

Single subject courses (day).

Workload

• Category:
• Hours:
  • Lectures: 28
  • Preparation: 149.5
  • Practical exercises: 12
  • Exercises: 16
  • Exam: 0.5
  • English: 206.0

Course Information

• Language: English
• Course number: NFYK18004U
• ECTS: 7.5 ECTS
• Programme level: Full Degree Master
• Duration: 1 block
• Placement: Block 4
• Schedule group: B
• Capacity: No limitation – unless you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student.
• Study board: Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience

Contracting Department

The Niels Bohr Institute.

Contracting Faculty

Faculty of Science.

Course Coordinator

Leonardo Midolo.

Teacher

Leonardo Midolo, Albert Schliesser.