The essential of this monograph is to reproduce the results of Sudarshans paper Equivalence of semiclassical and quantum mechanical descriptions of statistical light beams published in 1963. To go in that direction we also describe the linear harmonic oscillator and its algebraic equivalence with a single-mode quantized beam of light. Coherent states and their overcompleteness properties along with the diagonal representation of the density matrix are essential as a prerequisite to reproduce the result. Most of the textbooks meant for graduate students describe linear harmonic oscillators in great detail but they cryptically mention coherent states and their associated properties. So it is difficult for the students to understand the essence of Sudarshans paper which contains only seven equations. This monograph is written in such a lucid manner that without the help of experts one can understand it.
The essential of this monograph is to reproduce the results of Sudarshans paper Equivalence of semiclassical and quantum mechanical descriptions of statistical light beams published in 1963. To go in that direction we also describe the linear harmonic oscillator and its algebraic equivalence with a single-mode quantized beam of light. Coherent states and their overcompleteness properties along with the diagonal representation of the density matrix are essential as a prerequisite to reproduce the result. Most of the textbooks meant for graduate students describe linear harmonic oscillators in great detail but they cryptically mention coherent states and their associated properties. So it is difficult for the students to understand the essence of Sudarshans paper which contains only seven equations. This monograph is written in such a lucid manner that without the help of experts one can understand it.
The diagonal representation and optical equivalence theorem are the E. C. G. Sudarshan's mid 20th century adventures in non-classical optics. It basically deals with a quantum mechanical description of photons to explain the quantum properties of light. Inspired by Sudarshan's pioneering work we try to explain the every minute mathematical details of his paper "Equivalence of semi-classical and quantum mechanical descriptions of statistical light beams". In this article we are going to go through some of the basics in developing quantum optics, then land up in E.C.G's original work and try to present it as rigorous as possible. We show some of its important applications in various classes of physics problems.
This original and innovative textbook takes the unique perspective of introducing and solving problems in quantum mechanics using linear algebra methods, to equip readers with a deeper and more practical understanding of this fundamental pillar of contemporary physics. Extensive motivation for the properties of quantum mechanics, Hilbert space, and the Schrödinger equation is provided through analysis of the derivative, while standard topics like the harmonic oscillator, rotations, and the hydrogen atom are covered from within the context of operator methods. Advanced topics forming the basis of modern physics research are also included, such as the density matrix, entropy, and measures of entanglement. Written for an undergraduate audience, this book offers a unique and mathematically self-contained treatment of this hugely important topic. Students are guided gently through the text by the author's engaging writing style, with an extensive glossary provided for reference and numerous homework problems to expand and develop key concepts. Online resources for instructors include a fully worked solutions manual and lecture slides.
Abstract This third edition, like its two predecessors, provides a detailed account of the basic theory needed to understand the properties of light and its interactions with atoms, in particular the many nonclassical effects that have now been observed in quantum-optical experiments. The earlier chapters describe the quantum mechanics of various optical processes, leading from the classical representation of the electromagnetic field to the quantum theory of light. The later chapters develop the theoretical descriptions of some of the key experiments in quantum optics. Over half of the material in this third edition is new. It includes topics that have come into prominence over the last two decades, such as the beamsplitter theory, squeezed light, two-photon interference, balanced homodyne detection, travelling-wave attenuation and amplification, quantum jumps, and the ranges of nonliner optical processes important in the generation of nonclassical light. The book is written as a textbook, with the treatment as a whole appropriate for graduate or postgraduate students, while earlier chapters are also suitable for final- year undergraduates. Over 100 problems help to intensify the understanding of the material presented.
As the title aptly states, this book deals with harmonic oscillators of various kinds, from classical mechanical and electrical oscillations up to quantum oscillations. It is written in a lively language, and occasional interspersed anecdotes make the reading of an otherwise mathematically oriented text quite a pleasure. Although the author claims to have written an `elementary introduction', it is certainly necessary to have a good deal of previous knowledge in physics (mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum theory), electrical engineering and, of course, mathematics in order to follow the general line of his arguments. The book begins with a thorough treatment of classical oscillators (free, damped, forced) that is followed by an elaboration on Fourier analysis. Lagrange and Hamilton formalisms are then introduced before the problem of coupled oscillations is attacked. A chapter on statistical perspectives leads over to the final discussion of quantum oscillations. With the book comes a diskette containing a number of worksheets (Microsoft Excel) that can be used by the reader for instant visualization to get a better qualitative and quantitative understanding of the material. To the reviewer it seems difficult to pinpoint exactly the range of prospective readership of the book. It can certainly not be intended as a textbook for students, but rather as a reference book for teachers of physics or researchers, who want to look up one or other aspect of harmonic oscillations, for which purpose the diskette represents a very valuable tool.
Written for a two-semester graduate course in Quantum Mechanics, this comprehensive text helps develop the tools and formalism of Quantum Mechanics and its applications to physical systems. It suits students who have taken some introductory Quantum Mechanics and Modern Physics courses at undergraduate level, but it is self-contained and does not assume any specific background knowledge beyond appropriate fluency in mathematics. The text takes a modern logical approach rather than a historical one and it covers standard material, such as the hydrogen atom and the harmonic oscillator, the WKB approximations and Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization. Important modern topics and examples are also described, including Berry phase, quantum information, complexity and chaos, decoherence and thermalization, nonstandard statistics, as well as more advanced material such as path integrals, scattering theory, multiparticles and Fock space. Readers will gain a broad overview of Quantum Mechanics, as solid preparation for further study or research.