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Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences

The quantum theory of light

Stephen Mark Barnett, John Jeffers

Published Dec 24, 2024• 2 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We present a brief introduction to the quantum theory of light as it is understood in the field of quantum optics. Our aim is not to review the topic, which would require a very extensive article (or even a book of several volumes) but rather to provide sufficient background to set the ideas in the following papers in their correct context.This article is part of the theme issue 'The quantum theory of light'.

DOI
10.1098/rsta.2023.0349

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We present a brief introduction to the quantum theory of light as it is understood in the field of quantum optics. Our aim is not to review the topic, which would require a very extensive article (or even a book of several volumes) but rather to provide sufficient background to set the ideas in the following papers in their correct context.This article is part of the theme issue 'The quantum theory of light'.
This book provides an overview of quantum light phenomena and extends the traditional Quantum Optics, to include quantum fluids of light and the complete electromagnetic vacuum. The first part of the book includes basic electromagnetic field quantisation, the characterisation of quantum photon states and elementary photon–atom interactions. Secondly, quantum fluids of light are explored such as recent areas as Bose–Einstein condensation, light vortices and superfluid light. Finally, the last section of the book focusses on a more complete description of quantum vacuum, which includes electron–positron states. The book is intended to make the bridge between these three somewhat distinct aspects of the quantum states of light. The main audiences for the book include researchers and advanced students in quantum technology including quantum optics, metrology and computing. Part of IOP Series in Quantum Technology. Key features • Up to date review of the field, including quantum fluids of light • Extensive coverage of the topic • Key and central theme for modern quantum science and technology • Written by a respected expert in the field
This book presents a systematic account of optical coherence theory within the framework of classical optics, as applied to such topics as radiation from sources of different states of coherence, foundations of radiometry, effects of source coherence on the spectra of radiated fields, coherence theory of laser modes, and scattering of partially coherent light by random media. The book starts with a full mathematical introduction to the subject area and each chapter concludes with a set of exercises. The authors are renowned scientists and have made substantial contributions to many of the topics treated in the book. Much of the book is based on courses given by them at universities, scientific meetings and laboratories throughout the world. This book will undoubtedly become an indispensable aid to scientists and engineers concerned with modern optics, as well as to teachers and graduate students of physics and engineering.
Quantum physics is believed to be the fundamental theory underlying our understanding of the physical universe. However, it is based on concepts and principles that have always been difficult to understand and controversial in their interpretation. This book aims to explain these issues using a minimum of technical language and mathematics. After a brief introduction to the ideas of quantum physics, the problems of interpretation are identified and explained. The rest of the book surveys, describes and criticises a range of suggestions that have been made with the aim of resolving these problems; these include the traditional, or 'Copenhagen' interpretation, the possible role of the conscious mind in measurement, and the postulate of parallel universes. This new edition has been revised throughout to take into account developments in this field over the past fifteen years, including the idea of 'consistent histories' to which a completely new chapter is devoted.
Quantum physics is believed to be the fundamental theory underlying our understanding of the physical universe. However, it is based on concepts and principles that have always been difficult to understand and controversial in their interpretation. This book aims to explain these issues using a minimum of technical language and mathematics. After a brief introduction to the ideas of quantum physics, the problems of interpretation are identified and explained. The rest of the book surveys, describes and criticises a range of suggestions that have been made with the aim of resolving these problems; these include the traditional, or 'Copenhagen' interpretation, the possible role of the conscious mind in measurement and the postulate of parallel universes. This new edition has been revised throughout to take into account developments in this field over the past fifteen years, including the idea of 'consistent histories' to which a completely new chapter is devoted.