Application of quantum electrodynamics

Eliade N. Stefanescu

Stefan Scheel, Stefan Yoshi Buhmann

Macroscopic quantum electrodynamics - Concepts and applications In this article, we review the principles of macroscopic quantum electrodynamics and discuss a variety of applications of this theory to medium-assisted atom-field coupling and dispersion forces. The theory generalises the standard mode expansion of the electromagnetic fields in free space to allow for the presence of absorbing bodies. We show that macroscopic quantum electrodynamics provides the link between isolated atomic systems and magnetoelectric bodies, and serves as an important tool for the understanding of surface-assisted atomic relaxation effects and the intimately connected position-dependent energy shifts which give rise to Casimir—Polder and van der Waals forces.

Iwo Białynicki‐Birula, Zofia Białynicka-Birula

Julien Claudon, Jean‐Michel Gérard

In this chapter, our goal is to introduce the basic notions of cavity electrodynamics, to show that the basic CQED effects are now well understood and mastered for artificial atoms embedded in dielectric microstructures and finally to discuss their application prospects in the blossoming field of quantum photonics.