Physics, Mahidol University

Update: I’m teaching this course every year (for an example, see Syllabus for 2023)
For those who are interested, here is the link for my lecture note on Dropbox.

Course: Introduction to Quantum Optics / Quantum Optics
(First semester 2021, online class Thursday 13.30 – 16.30, starting 19 August)
(First semester 2023, hybrid class Tuesday and Thursday morning, starting 8 August)
(First semester 2025, hybrid class Tuesday and Thursday 10.30 – 12.00, starting 5 August)

Course Pages: Slack channel – scpy441-526-q-optics

Class Hours:
HY: Hybrid, Tuesday and Thursday, 10.30am – 12.00pm
OL: Online only, Tuesday and Thursday, 10.30am – 12.00pm
SP: Special, Thursday 9.00am – 12.00pm
Office Hours: (Anytime) discussions are encouraged in the Discord Channel.

Objectives: This course is primarily designed for 4th-year and graduate students. To equip students with current knowledge on how light interacts with matter. This is the basic knowledge needed in understanding the physics used heavily in the 2nd-generation of Quantum Technology.

Main References:
• Mark Fox, “Quantum optics: an introduction,” Oxford University Press (2006)
• Marlan O. Scully and M. Suhail Zubairy, “Quantum Optics,” Cambridge University Press (2001)
• Christopher C. Gerry and Peter L. Knight, “Introduction to Quantum Optics,” Cambridge University Press (2005)
• Michael A. Nielsen and Isaac L. Chuang, “Quantum Computation and Quantum Information,” 10th Ed. Cambridge University Press (2010)
• Howard Wiseman and Gerard Milburn, “Quantum Measurement and Control,” Cambridge University Press (2010)

Prerequisites: An undergraduate-level understanding of quantum mechanics and classical electromagnetic waves (SCPY221, SCPY231)

Tentative Course Outline:

W1 (HY 08/08, 10/08)– Introduction, Classical Electromagnetic and Quantization
W2 (HY 15/08, 17/08)– Quantization of the Electromagnetic Field
W3 (HY 22/08, 24/08)– Classical and Quantum state of light I (Fock and Coherent)
W4 (HY 29/08, 31/08)– Classical and Quantum state of light II (Squeezed, Cat, and Thermal)
W5 (HY 05/09, 07/09)– Miscellaneous: Wigner function and dyne measurement
W6 (OL 12/09, 14/09)– Experiments in Quantum Optics and Applications in Quantum Technology I
W7 (OL 19/09, 21/09)– Miscellaneous topics and introducing atoms and cavities
W8 (OL 26/09, 28/09)– Quantum Electrodynamics and Atom-Photon interaction I (Rabi)
W9 (OL 03/10, 05/10)– Quantum Electrodynamics and Atom-Photon interaction II (JC)
Wx (10/10, 12/10) – Break: Study time
W10 (17/10, 19/10)– Take-home Midterm Exam
W11 (SP 26/10)– Spontaneous Emission and various approximations
W12 (HY 31/10, 02/11)– Open Quantum system and Quantum measurement
W13 (HY 07/11, 09/11)– Miscellaneous topics in Quantum Optics
W14 (HY 14/11, 16/11)– Experiments in Quantum Optics and Applications in Quantum Technology II
W15 (HY 21/11, 23/11)– Final Project Presentation

Grading Policy: Students from both 441 and 526 will be taught in the same class, but graded differently. Since the pandemic has made things difficult, both for students and instructors, I give significant weights on homework so that students can work together.
For SCPY441: Homework and quizzes (70%), Midterm (30%)
For SCPY526: Homework and quizzes (50%), Midterm (30%), Final Project (20%)
The final project will be to write a report (Physical Review Letters style) on the topic of interest and to give a presentation at the final week of the class.

Class Policy: Regular attendance is essential and expected.

Academic Honesty: Even though I encourage “collaboration” in the homework, students should write their own solutions. The type of exam is likely a take-home exam, which will be confirmed closer to the date.