Quantum Optics 1 : Single Photons from Coursera

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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.

One photon state in a single mode: particle-like behaviour

In this lesson, you will discover how the quantum optics formalism leads to the particle-like behaviour of a one photon wave-packet. For this, you will have to learn the quantum optics expressions of the simple and joint photodetection signals. A comparison with the semi-classical expressions will illustrate the necessity of quantum optics.

One photon interference: Wave-Particle duality

In this lesson, you will address the fascinating question of a single photon interfering with itself, by calculating the interference pattern for a single photon launched into a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. In order to do it you will first learn how to treat a beam-splitter in quantum optics, a very important tool that you need to know. You will also learn that when you want to describe an optical instrument in quantum optics, it is very useful to master its classical optics description. This lesson is an opportunity to think about the mysterious concept of wave-particle duality, and about the power of the quantum formalism, which can deal consistently with two behaviours apparently contradictory .

Multimode quantized radiation: quantum optics in a real lab

In the real world there is nothing like purely monochromatic radiation. A correct description of radiation necessarily involves several modes. In this lesson, you will learn how canonical quantization can be easily generalized to the case of several modes, and how various observables or important quantities introduced in the single mode case are expressed in the multimode case. Beyond the formalism that you must learn to be able to read papers and books describing real situtations, you will encounter in this lesson some intriguing features of the quantum formalism: firstly, the unbelievably large size of the space of states, which is the reason for the unlimited potential power of quantum information; secondly, the question of infinities, a problem which was solved by the general procedure of renormalization. Note that optional readings are proposed as resources of some lectures.

One photon sources in the real world

One photon sources are important components in quantum optics, both in research laboratories and in applied quantum technologies. The lesson of this week will present the various kinds of one-photon sources available today, from heralded one photon sources to one photon sources on demand. You will learn how to use the multimode formalism presented in a previous lesson, to describe one-photon wave packets, in particular in the case of a spontaneously emitted photon. You will start with the presentation of a theoretical tool much used in quantum optics, the Heisenberg formalism. It will allow you to discover the formula expressing the probability of a double detection at two different times. You will also learn some `tricks of the trade' about Fourier transforms.

Wave-particle duality for a single photon in the real world

You are now ready to develop the description of a real experiment , which was the first one to reveal directly the dual nature -- wave and particle, of a real single photon wave-packet. You will not only be able to describe, with the formalism you have learned, both the particle-like and the wave-like behaviors, but you will also see how to take into account the features of a real experiment, which is never perfect. Last and not least, we will have the opportunity to think about the notions of wave-particle duality and complementarity, which should be not confused, and about thethe statement of Feynman, who named wave-particle duality “a great quantum mystery”. I will try to convince you that when one identifies a mysterious behavior, one should not complain, but rather explore the possibility that something new and interesting can emerge from that mystery.

One-photon based quantum technologies

In this lesson, you will discover two quantum technologies based on one photon sources. Quantum technologies allow one to achieve a goal in a way qualitatively different from a classical technology aiming at the same goal. For instance, quantum cryptography is immune to progress in computers power, while many classical cryptography methods can in principle be broken when we have more powerful computers. Similarly, quantum random number generators yield true random numbers, while classical random number generators only produce pseudo-random numbers, which might be guessed by somebody else than the user. This lesson is also an opportunity to learn two important concepts in quantum information: (i) qubits based on photon polarization; (ii) the celebrated no-cloning theorem, at the root of the security of quantum cryptography.

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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

Highly acclaimed quantum optics course by nobel laureate

Learners say that "Quantum Optics 1: Single Photons" is largely positive with clear and engaging lectures by Nobel Prize winner Alain Aspect. The assignments are rigorous and in-depth, yet well-structured and helpful. Despite being challenging, students highlight the course’s ability to clarify complex concepts, such as wave-particle duality. Overall, students highly recommend this well-designed course for those interested in quantum optics, quantum mechanics, and related fields.

Alain Aspect's teaching style effectively clarifies complex concepts like wave-particle duality.

"The concepts are made clear as well as the calculations. The wave particle duality is made clear along with a quite long discussion."

"Challenging for an undergraduate student who's only taken an intro course to QM, but very constructive, learned a lot!! Great course"

"Un cours que j'ai mis longtemps à travailler et à étudier...Vraiment super intéressant et complet !!!"

The course material is presented in a well-structured manner, with concepts introduced gradually.

"This is a well structured course that progressively introduces the concepts and methods."

"The course is really very good. Prof. Aspect exceeds his pedagogic skill and makes the lecture listening delightful."

The course features rigorous and insightful assignments that complement the material well.

"The homeworks are very well directed, meaningful and they are an extensión to learn much more."

"Fantastic course. The homeworks were very hard, but the professors clearly intend for the student to do as much as is comfortable."

"It’s been 45 years since I last studied quantum mechanics... I was not disappointed. It’s a great course because you are not “spoon fed”. The videos give you the background and the quizzes then get you to think."

Nobel Laureate Alain Aspect delivers excellent and clear lectures.

"Excellent lectures by Professor Aspect! I highly recommend his textbook as well!"

"What a wonderful course!!"

"Excellent. If you have enough base of quantum mechanics and physics, this course is understandable and useful."

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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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

Four other activities

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Solve practice problems on quantization of light

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

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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

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

Browse courses on Quantum Optics

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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

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

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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

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

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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 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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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