Quantum optics: lasers and atoms

Course taught in English

This course is dedicated to the description of the interaction of light with atoms. In particular, we describe the principle of operation of lasers. The laser is described both from the point of view of the physicist, for its unique physical properties, and from the point of view of applications. Some of the revolutions based on the development of lasers are introduced, such as the laser cooling techniques on which all modern cold atom physics is based.

This first course is dedicated to laser physics, an emerging field where the distinction between basic physics and applied physics is irrevelent


Prerequisites : PHY430 – Advanced quantum physics or any equivalent quantum mechanics training