Methods in Theoretical Quantum Optics [Paperback]

Methods in theoretical quantum optics is aimed at those readers who already have some knowledge of mathematical methods and have also been introduced to the basic ideas if quantum optics. This book is ideal for students who have already explored the basics of the quantum theory of light and are seeking to acquire the mathematical skills used in real problems. This book is not primarily about the physics of quantum optics, but rather presents the mathematical methods widely used by workers in this field. There is no comparable book which covers either the range or the depth of mathematical techniques.

1. Foundations
2. Coherent interactions
3. Operators and states
4. Quantum statistics of fields
5. Dissipative processes
6. Dressed states
Appendix 1. Kronecker delta and the permutation symbol
Appendix 2. The Dirac delta function
Appendix 3. Special functions
Appendix 4. Quadrature eigenstates
Appendix 5. Operator ordering theorems
Appendix 6. The pole approximation
Appendix 7. Principal part integrals
Appendix 8. Contour integrals
Appendix 9. Laplace transforms and the final value theorem
Appendix 10. Operator ordering in the Heisenberg equations
Appendix 11. The method of characteristics for partial differential equations
Appendix 12. Transformation of master equations into partial differential equations
Appendix 13. Fokker-Planck equations
Appendix 14. Cubic equations
Selected bibliography
Index

The reader will find here a very clear presentation of material not readily found elsewhere. Postgraduate students of quantum optics will find this work to be of the greatest utility. It sets out to be genuinely helpful to students, with sufficient material provided at each step of a calculation to enable an inexperienced reader to fully understand the derivation...Experienced researchers will find that this text is a most convenient handbook of techniques, and will want it close to their elbow. --l#§