Quantum Optics Laboratory
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to propose quantum optics experiments that highlight the fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the laboratory course the student will have a detailed knowledge of more optical techniques, in detail:
1) measurements with single photon detectors
2) measurement of coincidence counts with classical and quantum radiation
3) generation of single photons via parametric down-conversion
4) single photon interference
5) generation of entangled states of two photons
6) violation of Bell's inequality
7) generation of squeezed states (with fluctuation of the electric field below that of vacuum)
1) measurements with single photon detectors
2) measurement of coincidence counts with classical and quantum radiation
3) generation of single photons via parametric down-conversion
4) single photon interference
5) generation of entangled states of two photons
6) violation of Bell's inequality
7) generation of squeezed states (with fluctuation of the electric field below that of vacuum)
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Quantum optics is a quite recent branch of the physics and it allows the students to observe many of the foundamental aspects of the quantum machanics by simple experiments. The task of this course is to fix in the students the quantum optics theory basics and the capability to design and build some of the main experiments that have marked the history of this branch of the physics.
The course is methodologically structured with a strict connection between the class lecture on a physics topic and a laboratory work relevant for that topic.
The list of the arguments:
1) Lecture: intruduction to the course, photoemission theory, single photon detector description, photon counting basics theory, Lab: counting distribution function reconstruction in the case of coherent radiation;
2)Lecture: electromagnetic field quantization, Fock states, introduction to intensity correlation function as a method to distinguish between classical a and non-classical case, beam-splitter quantum model, Lab: generation of thermal radiation and its intensity correlation function reconstruction (Hanbury and Twiss experiment);
3) Lecture: generation of non-classical radiation by down-conversion with a non linear crystal, Lab: generation of twin photons by down-conversion and reconstraction of the intensity correlation function in the case of a single photon in order to verify the non classicity of this kind of radiation; design and build of a single photon interferometer to observe the wave-particle duality;
4) Lecture: non locality in quantum mechanics and entangled states, Lab: generation of entangled states in polarization of two photons by Kwiat method and observation of non local correlation;
5) Lecture: Bell disequality as a method to choose between local and non local theory, Lab: determination of the S parameter of the Bell disequality.
6) Lecture: Quantum optics in continuous variables and generation of squeezed states Lab: Implementation of a system with balanced homodyne detection for measuring the electric field in the case of coherent and squeezed states
7) Lecture: Introduction to quantum computers, particularly optical quantum computers.
The course is methodologically structured with a strict connection between the class lecture on a physics topic and a laboratory work relevant for that topic.
The list of the arguments:
1) Lecture: intruduction to the course, photoemission theory, single photon detector description, photon counting basics theory, Lab: counting distribution function reconstruction in the case of coherent radiation;
2)Lecture: electromagnetic field quantization, Fock states, introduction to intensity correlation function as a method to distinguish between classical a and non-classical case, beam-splitter quantum model, Lab: generation of thermal radiation and its intensity correlation function reconstruction (Hanbury and Twiss experiment);
3) Lecture: generation of non-classical radiation by down-conversion with a non linear crystal, Lab: generation of twin photons by down-conversion and reconstraction of the intensity correlation function in the case of a single photon in order to verify the non classicity of this kind of radiation; design and build of a single photon interferometer to observe the wave-particle duality;
4) Lecture: non locality in quantum mechanics and entangled states, Lab: generation of entangled states in polarization of two photons by Kwiat method and observation of non local correlation;
5) Lecture: Bell disequality as a method to choose between local and non local theory, Lab: determination of the S parameter of the Bell disequality.
6) Lecture: Quantum optics in continuous variables and generation of squeezed states Lab: Implementation of a system with balanced homodyne detection for measuring the electric field in the case of coherent and squeezed states
7) Lecture: Introduction to quantum computers, particularly optical quantum computers.
Prerequisites for admission
Fundamental concepts of: a) non relativistic quantum mechanics,
b) classical electromagnetic field and electromagnetic waves in vacuum
b) classical electromagnetic field and electromagnetic waves in vacuum
Teaching methods
The teaching is provided through classroom and laboratory lectures. Attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
The topics covered can be found largery in the lecture notes
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of an interview that focuses on the topics covered in the course.
FIS/03 - PHYSICS OF MATTER - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 48 hours
Lessons: 14 hours
Lessons: 14 hours
Professor:
Cialdi Simone
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Professor(s)