Optical Coherence and Quantum Optics

by Leonard Mandel, Emil Wolf

Overview

The advent of lasers in the 1960s led to the development of many new fields in optical physics. This book is a systematic treatment of one of these fields—the broad area that deals with the coherence and fluctuation of light. The authors begin with a review of probability theory and random processes, and follow this with a thorough discussion of optical coherence theory within the framework of classical optics. They next treat the theory of photoelectric detection of light and photoelectric correlation. They then discuss in some detail quantum systems and effects. The book closes with two chapters devoted to laser theory and one on the quantum theory of nonlinear optics. The sound introduction to coherence theory and the quantum nature of light and the chapter-end exercises will appeal to graduate students and newcomers to the field. Researchers will find much of interest in the new results on coherence-induced spectral line shifts, nonclassical states of light, higher-order squeezing, and quantum effects of down-conversion. Written by two of the world's most highly regarded optical physicists, this book is required reading of all physicists and engineers working in optics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521417112
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/29/1995
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	1194
Product dimensions:	7.32(w) x 10.20(h) x 1.97(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Elements of probability theory; 2. Random (or stochastic) processes; 3. Some useful mathematical techniques; 4. Second-order coherence theory of scalar wavefields; 5. Radiation from sources of any state of coherence; 6. Second-order coherence theory of vector electromagnetic fields; 7. Some applications of second-order coherence theory; 8. Higher-order correlations in optical fields; 9. Semiclassical theory of photoelectric detection of light; 10. Quantization of the free electromagnetic field; 11. Coherent states of the electromagnetic field; 12. Quantum correlations and photon statistics; 13. Radiation from thermal equilibrium sources; 14. Quantum theory of photoelectric detection of light; 15. Interaction between light and a two-level atom; 16. Collective atomic interactions; 17. Some general techniques for treating interacting systems; 18. The single-mode laser; 19. The two-mode ring laser; 20. The linnear light amplifier; 21. Squeezed states of light; 22. Some quantum effects in nonlinear optics; References; Author index; Subject index.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"...a superb monograph...The scholarship of the authors is truly impressive. The technical issues are presented in a balanced and clear way and the discussion is easily accessible...Mandel and Wolf have played a leading role in the elucidation of this theory for many years and so are well placed to present this masterly account of the field." The Times Higher Education Supplement

"The authors have collected an impressive array of material....The writing is clear and the material is presented in a logical sequence....[T]his tome is a welcome addition to the literature on coherent and quantum optics. It draws together many topics that one previously would have had to piece together by plowing through a lot of literature. It provides a coherent discussion of a difficult, emerging field, and it serves equally well as a useful reference book or as a graduate-level text." IEEE Spectrum

"As a single volume covering a broad swath of optical physics, Optical Coherence and Quantum Optics is without peer....It achieves unmatched coverage with a minimum of mathematical prerequisites while providing excellent citation of original literature, especially for comparisons of theory and experiment." Physics Today

"...a real bargain for anyone who needs a basic reference text on the subject." Microwave Journal

"Mandel and Wolf's treatise on the subject impresses by its volume and completeness....The book is unique in that it successfully brings together coherence theory and quantum theory of radiation....an impressive summary of the experimental and theoretical developments over the last 30 years. It will, without a doubt, become a standard textbook and reference for anybody working in quantum optics." Science

"...presented in the scholarly and careful fashion that one would expect from the authors, and the chapters are a pleasure to read....All in all, Optical Coherence and Quantum Optics is a wonderful book....It is a definite must for any serious student of modern optics." American Journal of Physics

Editorial Reviews

"...a superb monograph...The scholarship of the authors is truly impressive. The technical issues are presented in a balanced and clear way and the discussion is easily accessible...Mandel and Wolf have played a leading role in the elucidation of this theory for many years and so are well placed to present this masterly account of the field." The Times Higher Education Supplement

"The authors have collected an impressive array of material....The writing is clear and the material is presented in a logical sequence....[T]his tome is a welcome addition to the literature on coherent and quantum optics. It draws together many topics that one previously would have had to piece together by plowing through a lot of literature. It provides a coherent discussion of a difficult, emerging field, and it serves equally well as a useful reference book or as a graduate-level text." IEEE Spectrum

"As a single volume covering a broad swath of optical physics, Optical Coherence and Quantum Optics is without peer....It achieves unmatched coverage with a minimum of mathematical prerequisites while providing excellent citation of original literature, especially for comparisons of theory and experiment." Physics Today

"...a real bargain for anyone who needs a basic reference text on the subject." Microwave Journal

"Mandel and Wolf's treatise on the subject impresses by its volume and completeness....The book is unique in that it successfully brings together coherence theory and quantum theory of radiation....an impressive summary of the experimental and theoretical developments over the last 30 years. It will, without a doubt, become a standard textbook and reference for anybody working in quantum optics." Science

"...presented in the scholarly and careful fashion that one would expect from the authors, and the chapters are a pleasure to read....All in all, Optical Coherence and Quantum Optics is a wonderful book....It is a definite must for any serious student of modern optics." American Journal of Physics

From the Publisher