Quantum Optics 1 : Single Photons from Coursera

This course gives you access to basic tools and concepts to understand research articles and books on modern quantum optics. You will learn about quantization of light, formalism to describe quantum states of light without any classical analogue, and observables allowing one to demonstrate typical quantum properties of these states. These tools will be applied to the emblematic case of a one-photon wave packet, which behaves both as a particle and a wave. Wave-particle duality is a great quantum mystery in the words of Richard Feynman. You will be able to fully appreciate real experiments demonstrating wave-particle duality for a single photon, and applications to quantum technologies based on single photon sources, which are now commercially available. The tools presented in this course will be widely used in our second quantum optics course, which will present more advanced topics such as entanglement, interaction of quantized light with matter, squeezed light, etc...

So if you have a good knowledge in basic quantum mechanics and classical electromagnetism, but always wanted to know:

• how to go from classical electromagnetism to quantized radiation,

• how the concept of photon emerges,

• how a unified formalism is able to describe apparently contradictory behaviors observed in quantum optics labs,

• how creative physicists and engineers have invented totally new technologies based on quantum properties of light,

then this course is for you.

What's inside

Syllabus

Quantization of light: one mode

In this first lesson, you will discover what is canonical quantization, apply it to the quantization of a single mode of the electromagnetic field, and find that it behaves as a quantum harmonic oscillator. The notion of photon will then naturally emerge, as well as the weird but fundamental notion of vacuum fluctuations.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches core quantum optics concepts, making it suitable for students seeking a solid foundation

Taught by experienced instructors Alain Aspect and Michel Brune, known for their significant contributions to quantum optics

In-depth coverage of wave-particle duality, a fundamental concept in quantum physics

Introduces practical applications of single-photon sources in quantum technologies

Requires prior knowledge in basic quantum mechanics and classical electromagnetism

May be challenging for beginners without a strong background in quantum physics

Reviews summary

In-depth introduction to single photon optics

According to learners, this course provides a rigorous and in-depth introduction to single photon quantum optics. Students appreciate the clear explanations and the instructor's apparent expertise in explaining complex concepts like light quantization and wave-particle duality. However, the course is considered quite challenging and requires a solid background in quantum mechanics and mathematics. Some found the pace fast and the approach heavily theoretical, with less emphasis on experimental or practical applications. Assignments and exercises are often mentioned as being helpful in reinforcing understanding.

Heavy on theory, less on practice/experiment.

"I felt the course was quite theoretical and wished there were more examples or discussions of real experiments."

"It provides a strong theoretical grounding, which is what I needed, but others might prefer more hands-on content."

"Focuses primarily on the formalisms, so if you want practical lab insights, this might not be enough."

Practice problems aid understanding.

"Working through the assignments was key to solidifying my grasp on the lecture material."

"I appreciated the problem sets; they were tough but really helped me apply the concepts learned."

"The exercises effectively reinforced the main points and showed me where I needed to review."

Instructor explains complex topics well.

"The instructor does an excellent job explaining very abstract concepts clearly, which is crucial in quantum optics."

"Even though the material is difficult, the lectures presented the information in a logical and understandable way."

"His expertise is evident, and his explanations helped demystify complex topics like wave-particle duality."

Provides a deep dive into core concepts.

"This course goes deep into the foundations of quantum optics for single photons, really pushing my understanding."

"I found the treatment of light quantization to be incredibly thorough and scientifically rigorous."

"For anyone serious about the field, the depth provided here is invaluable for building a solid base."

Requires strong background, especially in QM.

"Be warned, the mathematical level is high; you really need a strong quantum mechanics background to keep up."

"I struggled initially because the course assumed a deeper understanding of certain physics concepts than I had."

"It was quite challenging, especially the derivations, but rewarding if you put in the effort."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Quantum Optics 1 : Single Photons with these activities:

Review your classical electromagnetism knowledge

Show steps

Refresh your understanding of classical electromagnetism to prepare for this course.

Show steps

Review your notes or textbooks on classical electromagnetism.
Take practice problems on classical electromagnetism concepts.
Attend a review session or workshop on classical electromagnetism.

Create a study guide for this course

Show steps

Organize and review key concepts by compiling a comprehensive study guide.

Show steps

Gather notes, assignments, and other course materials.
Identify key concepts and organize them into a logical structure.
Summarize important points and include examples.
Review and revise the study guide regularly.

Follow a tutorial on quantization of light

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of quantization of light by following a guided tutorial.

Show steps

Find a tutorial on quantization of light.
Follow the steps in the tutorial.
Take notes and ask questions as needed.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Solve practice problems on quantization of light

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of quantization of light by solving practice problems.

Show steps

Find practice problems on quantization of light.
Solve the problems and check your answers.
Review the solutions to identify areas where you need more practice.

Discuss quantum optics concepts with a peer

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of quantum optics through discussions with a peer.

Browse courses on Quantum Optics

Show steps

Find a peer who is also taking this course.
Schedule a time to meet and discuss quantum optics concepts.
Take turns explaining concepts and asking questions.

Write a summary of a research article on quantum optics

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of quantum optics by summarizing a research article.

Browse courses on Quantum Optics

Show steps

Choose a research article on quantum optics.
Read the article carefully.
Write a summary of the article, including the main findings and conclusions.

Build a simple quantum optics experiment

Show steps

Apply your knowledge of quantum optics by building a simple experiment.

Browse courses on Quantum Optics

Show steps

Design your experiment.
Gather the necessary materials.
Build the experiment.
Test your experiment.
Analyze the results.

Career center

Learners who complete Quantum Optics 1 : Single Photons will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Quantum Optics Engineer

Quantum Optics Engineers design, develop, and test devices and systems that use quantum optics principles. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of quantum optics, including the quantization of light, the behavior of photons, and the operation of one-photon sources. This knowledge is essential for Quantum Optics Engineers to understand the behavior of light at the quantum level and to design and develop new quantum optics devices and systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Optics Engineer

Optics Professor

Optics Professors teach courses in optics and conduct research in the field. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of quantum optics, including the quantization of light, the behavior of photons, and the operation of one-photon sources. This knowledge is essential for Optics Professors to teach courses in quantum optics and to conduct research in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optics Professor

Quantum Information Scientist

Quantum Information Scientists develop and apply quantum mechanics to solve problems in computing, cryptography, and communication. The course provides a solid foundation in the principles of quantum optics, which is essential for Quantum Information Scientists to understand the behavior of light at the quantum level and to develop quantum information technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Information Scientist

Quantum Physicist

Quantum Physicists study the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic level. The principles of quantum optics, covered in this course, are fundamental to Quantum Physics. By understanding the quantization of light and the behavior of photons, Quantum Physicists can gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental nature of the universe.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Physicist

Quantum Imaging Specialist

Quantum Imaging Specialists develop and apply quantum mechanics to imaging technologies. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of quantum optics, including the quantization of light, the behavior of photons, and the operation of one-photon sources. This knowledge is essential for Quantum Imaging Specialists to understand the behavior of light at the quantum level and to develop new quantum imaging technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Imaging Specialist

Quantum Sensor Engineer

Quantum Sensor Engineers develop and apply quantum mechanics to sensor technologies. This course provides a foundation in the principles of quantum optics, including the quantization of light, the behavior of photons, and the operation of one-photon sources. This knowledge is essential for Quantum Sensor Engineers to understand the behavior of light at the quantum level and to develop new quantum sensor technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Sensor Engineer

Laser Physicist

Laser Physicists design, develop, and test lasers, devices that emit light in a highly concentrated beam. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of quantum optics, including the quantization of light, the behavior of photons, and the operation of one-photon sources. This knowledge is essential for Laser Physicists to understand the behavior of light at the quantum level and to design and develop new lasers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laser Physicist

Quantum Computing Hardware Engineer

Quantum Computing Hardware Engineers design and build quantum computers, devices that use the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of quantum optics, including the quantization of light, the behavior of photons, and the operation of one-photon sources. This knowledge is essential for Quantum Computing Hardware Engineers to understand the building blocks of quantum computers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Computing Hardware Engineer

Quantum Communication Researcher

Quantum Communication Researchers develop and apply quantum mechanics to communication technologies. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of quantum optics, including the quantization of light, the behavior of photons, and the operation of one-photon sources. This knowledge is essential for Quantum Communication Researchers to understand the behavior of light at the quantum level and to develop new quantum communication technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Communication Researcher

Optical Instrumentation Engineer

Optical Instrumentation Engineers design and develop optical instruments, such as microscopes, telescopes, and lasers. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of quantum optics, including the quantization of light, the behavior of photons, and the operation of one-photon sources. This knowledge is essential for Optical Instrumentation Engineers to understand the behavior of light at the quantum level and to design and develop new optical instruments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optical Instrumentation Engineer

Photonics Engineer

This course can be beneficial to individuals pursuing a career as a Photonics Engineer. Photonics Engineers design, develop, and test devices and systems that use light to transmit, process, and store information. The course provides a foundation in the principles of quantum optics, including the quantization of light, the behavior of photons, and the operation of one-photon sources. This knowledge is essential for Photonics Engineers to understand the behavior of light at the quantum level and to design and develop photonic devices and systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photonics Engineer

Quantum Computing Researcher

This course can be very useful for aspiring Quantum Computing Researchers. Quantum Computing Researchers design and develop quantum computers, which are computers that use the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of quantum optics, including the quantization of light, the behavior of photons, and the operation of one-photon sources. This knowledge is essential for Quantum Computing Researchers to understand the building blocks of quantum computers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Computing Researcher

Quantum Cryptography Researcher

Quantum Cryptography Researchers develop and apply quantum mechanics to cryptography, the science of secure communication. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of quantum optics, including the quantization of light, the behavior of photons, and the operation of one-photon sources. This knowledge is essential for Quantum Cryptography Researchers to understand the fundamental principles of quantum cryptography and to develop new quantum cryptographic protocols.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Cryptography Researcher

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct scientific research in a variety of fields, including physics, chemistry, and biology. This course provides a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of quantum optics. This knowledge is essential for Research Scientists to understand the behavior of light at the quantum level and to conduct research in fields such as quantum information, quantum computing, and quantum metrology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Optical Engineer

Students who enroll in this course will gain skills and knowledge that can be useful to an Optical Engineer. An Optical Engineer designs, tests, and installs optical components and systems. These systems can include lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems. Taking this course will help Optical Engineers better understand the fundamental concepts of quantum optics, such as the quantization of light, the particle-like and wave-like behavior of photons, and the operation of one-photon sources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optical Engineer