Quantum theory of coherence and nonlinear optics

Roy J. Glauber

Jan Peřina

We review the beginning stage of quantum theory of coherence and research performed at the Palacký University in quantum and nonlinear optics related to quantum state reconstruction, generalized superposition of signal and quantum noise, quantum Zeno effect, nonlinear optical couplers and parametric down-conversion.

Daniel F. Walls, Gerard J Milburn

Jan Peřina

We review the beginning stage of quantum theory of coherence and research at the Palacky University in quantum and nonlinear optics related to quantum state reconstruction, generalized superposition of signal and quantum noise, quantum Zeno effect, nonlinear optical couplers and parametric down-conversion.

T. Stewart McKechnie

P. D. Drummond

The classical theory of nonlinear optics is well established, owing to the seminal work of Bloembergen and others. In this theory, nonlinear coefficients are used to express dielectric properties in a unified way. A quantum-mechanical theory of this type is obviously desirable, allowing the calculation of quantum effects, without requiring a detailed electronic and molecular model of the dielectric. In current research that encompasses such effects as squeezing and photon antibunching, a coherent quantum theory is essential. This should include nonlinearities, inhomogeneity, and dispersion to be relevant to physical dielectric media.