An Introduction to Quantum Optics: Photon and Biphoton Physics

This book offers a complete revision for its introduction to the quantum theory of light, including notable developments as well as improvements in presentation of basic theory and concepts, with continued emphasis on experimental aspects. The author provides a thorough overview on basic methods of classical and quantum mechanical measurements in quantum optics, enabling readers to analyze, summarize, and resolve quantum optical problems. The broad coverage of concepts and tools and its practical, experimental emphasis set it apart from other available resources. New discussions of timely topics such as the concept of the photon and distinguishability bring the entire contents up to date.

Key Features:

• Provides a complete update of a classic textbook for the field.
• Features many new topics, including optical coherence, coherent and incoherent imaging, turbulence-free interferometry.
• Includes new chapters for intensity fluctuation correlation and thermal light ghost imaging, and biphoton imaging.
• Offers a complete overhaul of the introductory theory to give a more coherent and thorough treatment.
• Expands on discussions of optical tests of quantum theory, Popper’s experiment, Einstein’s locality questions, and the delayed choice quantum eraser.

Yanhua Shih is professor of physics at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), where he started the Quantum Optics Laboratory of UMBC in the fall of 1989. He received his PhD in 1987 from the Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park. His group has been recognized as among the leaders in the field of quantum optics that attempts to probe the foundations of quantum theory. His pioneering research on multiphoton entanglement, multiphoton interferometry, and quantum imaging has been recognized by the physics and engineering communities. Yanhua Shih received the Willis Lamb Medal in 2002 for his pioneer contributions to quantum optics and especially the study of coherence effects of multi-photon entangled states.