Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Oxford University Press eBooks

Atom—Field Interactions

Stephen Colby Rand

Published May 26, 2010• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

In Chapter 3 the interaction Hamiltonian which determines the way light interacts with matter is derived. Simple perturbative analysis is applied to see if basic dynamics of atoms can be explained. The partial successes of perturbation theory are compared with predictions of an “exact” method of calculating the occupation probabilities of various atomic states. Even the “exact” method is shown to fail, establishing the need for improved approaches that yield correct results in later chapters. Some elementary results for the transition rates, including Fermi's golden rule are covered. Then the density matrix is introduced as a tool for describing not only the populations of atomic energy levels but coherence that can be created and lost during the dynamic evolution of atoms in time. A vector model based on the Bloch vector is presented as a useful way of picturing coherent atom–field interactions in an optical “spin” space, particularly multiple‐pulse interactions. Mechanisms are described that cause line‐broadening in optical spectroscopy, such as the Doppler effect. The chapter closes by showing that it is usually possible to reduce the complexity of real atoms on an experimental basis to facilitate direct comparisons with theoretical calculations based on simple models with only two or three energy levels.

DOI
10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199574872.003.0003

Related papers

Quantized Fields and Coherent States

Stephen Colby Rand

Chapter 6 begins by transforming the optical wave itself into a quantized form, and the full implications of the wave‐particle duality of Chapter 2 become clear. The electric field may be pictured as an infinite ladder of discrete states and this structure allows optical interactions to be described photon by photon. The origin of spontaneous emission emerges from this treatment as a transition process that is stimulated by electric field fluctuations of the vacuum, and Weisskopf–Wigner theory explains why it is irreversible. The subject of coherent states is introduced and intriguing possibilities outlined regarding the noise properties of components of these states that form different quadratures in terms of the optical phase. Next, statistical analysis of light fields is considered to serve as a basis for more quantitative comparisons of fields and their noise properties. Methods of calculating the first and second degrees of coherence are presented, and the ranges of values corresponding to “classical” versus “quantum” light sources are discussed. The reduced density matrix is developed to justify analysis that focuses on only certain aspects of optical dynamics while ignoring others, as an important tool for simplifying complex problems. Finally, in view of its historical importance, the problem of calculating the fluorescence spectrum of resonantly excited two‐level atoms is considered using both a method of moments and dressed atom theory.

Oxford University Press eBooks•May 26, 2010•0 citations

Optical Bloch equations

Malin Premaratne, Govind Prasad Agrawal

The analysis in Chapter 3 used a phenomenological form of the permittivity to describe active materials. A proper understanding of optical amplification requires a quantum-mechanical approach for describing the interaction of light with atoms of an active medium [1]. However, even a relatively simple atom such as hydrogen or helium allows so many energy transitions that its full description is intractable even with modern computing machinery [2, 3]. The only solution is to look for idealized models that contain the most essential features of a realistic system. The semiclassical two-level-atom model has proven to be quite successful in this respect [4]. Even though a real atom has infinitely many energy levels, two energy levels whose energy difference nearly matches the photon energy suffice to understand the interaction dynamics when the atom interacts with nearly monochromatic radiation. Moreover, if the optical field contains a sufficiently large number of photons (> 100), it can be treated classically using a set of optical Bloch equations. In this chapter, we learn the underlying physical concepts behind the optical Bloch equations. We apply these equations in subsequent chapters to actual optical amplifiers and show that they can be solved analytically under certain conditions to provide a realistic description of optical amplifiers. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the concept of a quantum state [5]. To effectively use the modern machinery of quantum mechanics, physical states need to be represented as vectors in so-called Hilbert space [6].

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Feb 3, 2011•1 citation

Quantum description of light–matter coupling

Alexey Vitalievich Kavokin, Jeremy J. Baumberg, G. Malpuech +1 more

Abstract In this chapter we study with the tools developed in Chapter 3 the basic models that are the foundations of light–matter interaction. We start with Rabi dynamics, then consider the optical Bloch equations that add phenomenologically the lifetime of the populations. As decay and pumping are often important, we cover the Lindblad form, a correct, simple and powerful way to describe various dissipation mechanisms. Then we go to a full quantum picture, quantizing also the optical field. We first investigate the simpler coupling of bosons and then culminate with the Jaynes–Cummings model and its solution to the quantum interaction of a two-level system with a cavity mode. Finally, we investigate a broader family of models where the material excitation operators differ from the ideal limits of a Bose and a Fermi field.

•May 11, 2017•0 citations

Electric dipole radiation

Lorenzo J. Curtis

Lux aeterna luceat eis. Let there be light. Take the rest of the week off. Atomic energy levels deduced from optical spectra comprise one of the most precisely known sets of physical measurements that exist. However, the precision of the determinations of the relative oscillator strengths of these spectral lines from the relative intensities of spectral lines is much less precise. Fortunately, time-dependent methods for the study of the dynamics of the emission process exist (and are being developed) that permit the transition probability rates, oscillator strengths, and reaction rates to be determined with ever-increasing precision. In most elementary quantum mechanics textbooks, the section on the emission of radiation is the least satisfactory section of the book. Whereas the development of relationships among various spatial overlap integrals between state vectors for various operators (such as the electrostatic dipole moment) can be formulated in a very elegant ab initio manner, the connection of these matrix elements to the time dependence of the system often seems driven by a posteriori assumptions that are extended beyond their justifiable range of applicability. As Fermi observed in stating his Golden Rule , “the transition probability and energy perturbation can be calculated with the help of perturbation theory ( i.e. , there is no better way known).” The Weisskopf–Wigner approximation offers a scheme for making precise calculations, but does not provide the rigor that has characterized so many other areas of quantum mechanics.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Oct 30, 2003•3 citations

Complement 2C: The density matrix and the optical Bloch equations

G. Grynberg, Alain Aspect, Claude Fabre +1 more

The arguments of Chapter 2, as well as of those of subsequent chapters, have as their foundation the formalism based on the state vector of a system of which the evolution is described by the Schrödinger equation. In fact, such an approach is badly suited to the case in which the coupling between an atom and its environment (for example through collisions with other atoms or spontaneous emission into formerly empty modes of the electromagnetic field) cannot be neglected. If the correlations induced by these interactions between the atom and its environment do not concern us and we are only interested in the evolution of the atom, the formalism of the density matrix must be employed. This provides a description at all times of the state of the atom, although a state vector for the atom alone cannot be defined. In this formalism the effect of the environment on the atom is accounted for by the introduction of suitable relaxation terms (Section 2C.1) in the equation of evolution of the density matrix. An important application of the density matrix is to the case of a two-level atomic system for which the relaxation terms lead to its deexcitation to a level of lower energy. We shall show that in this case the density matrix can be represented by a vector, known as the Bloch vector , which will allow us to give simple geometrical pictures of the evolution of the system.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Sep 2, 2010•0 citations

Quantized Fields and Coherent States

Stephen Colby Rand

Chapter 6 transforms the optical wave into a quantized form. The electric field is pictured as an infinite ladder of discrete states: this structure allows optical interactions to be described photon by photon. The origin of spontaneous emission emerges as a transition process that is stimulated by electric field fluctuations of the vacuum; Weisskopf–Wigner theory explains why it is irreversible. Squeezed states are introduced and qualitatively unique properties are identified. Statistical analysis of light fields serves as a basis for more quantitative comparisons of fields and their noise properties. Methods of calculating the first and second degrees of coherence are presented. The ranges of values corresponding to “classical” versus “quantum” light sources are discussed. The reduced density matrix is developed to justify analysis that focuses on a subset of the components or dynamics of a complex system, ignoring aspects that are not of primary interest. The problem of calculating the fluorescence spectrum of resonantly excited two-level atoms is considered using both a method of moments and dressed atom theory.

Oxford University Press eBooks•Jun 9, 2016•0 citations
In Chapter 3 the interaction Hamiltonian which determines the way light interacts with matter is derived. Simple perturbative analysis is applied to see if basic dynamics of atoms can be explained. The partial successes of perturbation theory are compared with predictions of an “exact” method of calculating the occupation probabilities of various atomic states. Even the “exact” method is shown to fail, establishing the need for improved approaches that yield correct results in later chapters. Some elementary results for the transition rates, including Fermi's golden rule are covered. Then the density matrix is introduced as a tool for describing not only the populations of atomic energy levels but coherence that can be created and lost during the dynamic evolution of atoms in time. A vector model based on the Bloch vector is presented as a useful way of picturing coherent atom–field interactions in an optical “spin” space, particularly multiple‐pulse interactions. Mechanisms are described that cause line‐broadening in optical spectroscopy, such as the Doppler effect. The chapter closes by showing that it is usually possible to reduce the complexity of real atoms on an experimental basis to facilitate direct comparisons with theoretical calculations based on simple models with only two or three energy levels.
Chapter 6 begins by transforming the optical wave itself into a quantized form, and the full implications of the wave‐particle duality of Chapter 2 become clear. The electric field may be pictured as an infinite ladder of discrete states and this structure allows optical interactions to be described photon by photon. The origin of spontaneous emission emerges from this treatment as a transition process that is stimulated by electric field fluctuations of the vacuum, and Weisskopf–Wigner theory explains why it is irreversible. The subject of coherent states is introduced and intriguing possibilities outlined regarding the noise properties of components of these states that form different quadratures in terms of the optical phase. Next, statistical analysis of light fields is considered to serve as a basis for more quantitative comparisons of fields and their noise properties. Methods of calculating the first and second degrees of coherence are presented, and the ranges of values corresponding to “classical” versus “quantum” light sources are discussed. The reduced density matrix is developed to justify analysis that focuses on only certain aspects of optical dynamics while ignoring others, as an important tool for simplifying complex problems. Finally, in view of its historical importance, the problem of calculating the fluorescence spectrum of resonantly excited two‐level atoms is considered using both a method of moments and dressed atom theory.
The analysis in Chapter 3 used a phenomenological form of the permittivity to describe active materials. A proper understanding of optical amplification requires a quantum-mechanical approach for describing the interaction of light with atoms of an active medium [1]. However, even a relatively simple atom such as hydrogen or helium allows so many energy transitions that its full description is intractable even with modern computing machinery [2, 3]. The only solution is to look for idealized models that contain the most essential features of a realistic system. The semiclassical two-level-atom model has proven to be quite successful in this respect [4]. Even though a real atom has infinitely many energy levels, two energy levels whose energy difference nearly matches the photon energy suffice to understand the interaction dynamics when the atom interacts with nearly monochromatic radiation. Moreover, if the optical field contains a sufficiently large number of photons (> 100), it can be treated classically using a set of optical Bloch equations. In this chapter, we learn the underlying physical concepts behind the optical Bloch equations. We apply these equations in subsequent chapters to actual optical amplifiers and show that they can be solved analytically under certain conditions to provide a realistic description of optical amplifiers. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the concept of a quantum state [5]. To effectively use the modern machinery of quantum mechanics, physical states need to be represented as vectors in so-called Hilbert space [6].
Abstract In this chapter we study with the tools developed in Chapter 3 the basic models that are the foundations of light–matter interaction. We start with Rabi dynamics, then consider the optical Bloch equations that add phenomenologically the lifetime of the populations. As decay and pumping are often important, we cover the Lindblad form, a correct, simple and powerful way to describe various dissipation mechanisms. Then we go to a full quantum picture, quantizing also the optical field. We first investigate the simpler coupling of bosons and then culminate with the Jaynes–Cummings model and its solution to the quantum interaction of a two-level system with a cavity mode. Finally, we investigate a broader family of models where the material excitation operators differ from the ideal limits of a Bose and a Fermi field.
Lux aeterna luceat eis. Let there be light. Take the rest of the week off. Atomic energy levels deduced from optical spectra comprise one of the most precisely known sets of physical measurements that exist. However, the precision of the determinations of the relative oscillator strengths of these spectral lines from the relative intensities of spectral lines is much less precise. Fortunately, time-dependent methods for the study of the dynamics of the emission process exist (and are being developed) that permit the transition probability rates, oscillator strengths, and reaction rates to be determined with ever-increasing precision. In most elementary quantum mechanics textbooks, the section on the emission of radiation is the least satisfactory section of the book. Whereas the development of relationships among various spatial overlap integrals between state vectors for various operators (such as the electrostatic dipole moment) can be formulated in a very elegant ab initio manner, the connection of these matrix elements to the time dependence of the system often seems driven by a posteriori assumptions that are extended beyond their justifiable range of applicability. As Fermi observed in stating his Golden Rule , “the transition probability and energy perturbation can be calculated with the help of perturbation theory ( i.e. , there is no better way known).” The Weisskopf–Wigner approximation offers a scheme for making precise calculations, but does not provide the rigor that has characterized so many other areas of quantum mechanics.
The arguments of Chapter 2, as well as of those of subsequent chapters, have as their foundation the formalism based on the state vector of a system of which the evolution is described by the Schrödinger equation. In fact, such an approach is badly suited to the case in which the coupling between an atom and its environment (for example through collisions with other atoms or spontaneous emission into formerly empty modes of the electromagnetic field) cannot be neglected. If the correlations induced by these interactions between the atom and its environment do not concern us and we are only interested in the evolution of the atom, the formalism of the density matrix must be employed. This provides a description at all times of the state of the atom, although a state vector for the atom alone cannot be defined. In this formalism the effect of the environment on the atom is accounted for by the introduction of suitable relaxation terms (Section 2C.1) in the equation of evolution of the density matrix. An important application of the density matrix is to the case of a two-level atomic system for which the relaxation terms lead to its deexcitation to a level of lower energy. We shall show that in this case the density matrix can be represented by a vector, known as the Bloch vector , which will allow us to give simple geometrical pictures of the evolution of the system.
Chapter 6 transforms the optical wave into a quantized form. The electric field is pictured as an infinite ladder of discrete states: this structure allows optical interactions to be described photon by photon. The origin of spontaneous emission emerges as a transition process that is stimulated by electric field fluctuations of the vacuum; Weisskopf–Wigner theory explains why it is irreversible. Squeezed states are introduced and qualitatively unique properties are identified. Statistical analysis of light fields serves as a basis for more quantitative comparisons of fields and their noise properties. Methods of calculating the first and second degrees of coherence are presented. The ranges of values corresponding to “classical” versus “quantum” light sources are discussed. The reduced density matrix is developed to justify analysis that focuses on a subset of the components or dynamics of a complex system, ignoring aspects that are not of primary interest. The problem of calculating the fluorescence spectrum of resonantly excited two-level atoms is considered using both a method of moments and dressed atom theory.