This textbook offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the basic ideas in modern quantum optics, beginning with a review of the whole of optics, and culminating in the quantum description of light. The book emphasizes the phenomenon of interference as the key to understanding the behavior of light, and discusses distinctions between the classical and quantum nature of light. Laser operation is reviewed at great length and many applications are covered, such as laser cooling, Bose condensation and the basics of quantum information and teleportation. Quantum mechanics is introduced in detail using the Dirac notation, which is explained from first principles. In addition, a number of non-standard topics are covered such as the impossibility of a light-based Maxwell's demon, the derivation of the Second Law of thermodynamics from the first-order time-dependent quantum perturbation theory, and the concept of Berry's phase. The book emphasizes the physical basics much more than the formal mathematical side, and is ideal for a first, yet in-depth, introduction to the subject. Five sets of problems with solutions are included to further aid understanding of the subject.

About the Author
Vlatko Vedral is a professor at Leeds University heading a new group in Quantum Information Science. He has previously held positions at Oxford University and Imperial College London and visiting positions in Vienna and Waterloo. He has published over 80 research papers in quantum optics, quantum information and quantum physics, and has frequently been interviewed by the media about his work.

Reviews
"I can hardly think of a more congenial approach to quantum optics, to its concepts, methods, applications and overlaps with fascinating new research areas. The book is remarkably thorough and up-to-date, and it is written with exemplary clarity, enthusiasm and care. The author combines richness of insight and depth of argument with accessible style and genuine originality of presentation. I am sure Modern Foundations of Quantum Optics will repay the attention of every reader, whether beginner or expert." Artur Ekert Leigh Trapnell Professor of Quantum Physics University of Cambridge, UK "... It is beautifully laid out and written in a manner that makes one just want to go on reading. The footnotes are a joy -- they offer wonderful insights, additional information, alternative scenarios and sometimes humorous comments ... For my money, Vedral's book is definitely the one for the desert island ..." Karen Kirkby Times Higher Education Supplement



Book Information
ISBN 9781860945533
Author Vlatko Vedral
Format Paperback
Page Count 236
Imprint Imperial College Press
Publisher Imperial College Press