LIGHT INTERACTIONS WITH QUANTUM MATERIALS
Light-matter interactions with quantum systems and their applications in quantum computing, communications, and sensing. Brief review of quantum mechanics and derivation of quantum structure of atoms. Deeper exploration of concepts and applications of quantum optics (such as use of nonclassical light, entangled photons) and experimental techniques on how to control and measure quantum systems with photons (including atom cooling and trapping, coherent interactions, putting atoms in cavities). Knowledge of introductory-level classical electromagnetism (such as E C E 220 or PHYSICS 202 ) and modern physics (such as PHYSICS/E C E 235 or PHYSICS 241 ) required.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: Graduate/professional standing Course Designation: Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Explain concepts in the interactions of light with quantum systems, such as absorption and emission processes, Rabi oscillations, and cavity quantum electrodynamics Audience: Graduate 2. Formulate techniques to prepare, manipulate, and detect quantum states using common light sources and optical components Audience: Graduate 3. Apply numerical methods to model and analyze interactions in quantum systems Audience: Graduate 4. Identify critical differences between classical and non-classical light sources and recognize experimental approaches to generate, characterize, and utilize these light sources in quantum measurements Audience: Graduate 5. Analyze and effectively communicate the use of atom-photon interactions in state-of-the-art quantum computing, communication, and sensing experiments Audience: Graduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Explain concepts in the interactions of light with quantum systems, such as absorption and emission processes, Rabi oscillations, and cavity quantum electrodynamics Audience: Graduate 2. Formulate techniques to prepare, manipulate, and detect quantum states using common light sources and optical components Audience: Graduate 3. Apply numerical methods to model and analyze interactions in quantum systems Audience: Graduate 4. Identify critical differences between classical and non-classical light sources and recognize experimental approaches to generate, characterize, and utilize these light sources in quantum measurements Audience: Graduate 5. Analyze and effectively communicate the use of atom-photon interactions in state-of-the-art quantum computing, communication, and sensing experiments Audience: Graduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027