Coherent Quantum Optics and Technology, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1992 Advances in Opto-Electronics Series, Vol. 6

Coherent quantum optics and technology can be defined as the investigation of the principles of and methods for generating a very smooth lightwave with low fluctuations, controlling and manipulating atoms and photons and their application systems. Generation of nonclassical photons by this lightwave is also part of this area. Chapter 1 provides the reader with the definition of the coherent state of light. Chapter 2 is devoted to the principle of laser oscillation described by using the density matrix method. Chapter 3 reviews the structures and performances of representative lasers, i.e. gas, dye, solid-state, and semiconductor lasers. Chapter 4 defines the measures of representing the magnitude of noises and the specific noises in lasers. Chapter 5 treats the general ideas and methods of the principle of reducing the frequency fluctuations of lasers and their experimental results. Chapter 7 demonstrates several advanced lightwave application systems for communications, sensing, spectroscopy, atomic clock, quantum optics, atomic physics, and test of the theory of relativity. For future progress of this field of research, Chapter 8 introduces several novel ideas for expanding the laser oscillation wavelength range, the generation of nonclassical photons, the manipulation of atoms and photons, and photonic energy storage. Chapters 1--5 form a tutorial textbook for undergraduate students, graduate students, and junior engineers. Chapters 6--8 introduce the topics which are still progressing rapidly.

1 Introduction.- 1.1 What is a Coherent Light?.- 1.2 Definition and Characteristics of Coherent Light.- References.- 2 Principles of Laser Oscillation.- 2.1 Cavity.- 2.2 Light Amplification and Laser Oscillation.- 2.3 Formulation of Laser Oscillation.- References.- 3 Structures and Characteristics of Lasers.- 3.1 Gas Lasers.- 3.2 Dye Lasers.- 3.3 Solid State Lasers.- 3.4 Semiconductor Lasers [D].- References.- 4 Noises in Lasers.- 4.1 Definitions of the Statistical Measures of Noise Properties and Measurement Procedures [A, B].- 4.2 Magnitude of Laser Quantum Noise.- 4.3 Additional Noises in Lasers.- References.- 5 Principles and Methods of FM Noise Reduction in Lasers.- 5.1 Principles of FM Noise Reduction.- 5.2 Negative Electrical Feedback Method.- 5.3 Cavity Loss Reduction Method.- 5.4 Inhibition and Enhancement of Spontaneous Emission.- References.- 6 Experiments on FM Noise Reduction.- 6.1 Gas and Dye Lasers.- 6.2 Solid State Lasers.- 6.3 Semiconductor Lasers [8].- References.- 7 Applications of Highly Coherent Lasers.- 7.1 Optical Communication Systems.- 7.2 Optical Measurements.- 7.3 Analytical Spectroscopy.- 7.4 Optical Pumping of Atomic Clocks.- 7.5 Quantum Optics and Basic Physics.- References.- 8 Toward the Future.- 8.1 Expansion of the Frequency Range of Laser Oscillation.- 8.2 Ultra-fast Detection of Lightwaves and Waveform Conversion.- 8.3 Generation of Non-Classical Photons and Their Applications.- 8.4 Control and Manipulation of Atoms and Photons.- 8.5 High Power Laser and Optical Energy Storage.- 8.6 Summary.- References.- Appendix Rate Equations and Relaxation Oscillation.- References.