| Unit name | Quantum Light and Quantum Matter |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYSM0053 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Weidner |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
The quantum properties of light and its interaction with matter are at the core of many quantum technology platforms. Even the platforms that do not directly involve light, often rely on the same physical concepts (e.g. quantum harmonic oscillators, two-level quantum systems). This unit will focus on the behaviour of light, including its interaction with atomic systems and nonlinear materials, in a quantum mechanical way.
The following topics will be covered: review of wave optics, Gaussian beams, standing waves and guided modes. Quantisation of the electromagnetic field. Properties of single and multi-mode quantum states of light. Generation, manipulation and measurement of quantum light. Semiclassical and quantum treatment of light interacting with a two-level atom. Dissipation, open quantum systems, and multiple-level atomic systems. Applications of quantum light and matter in quantum photonics and atomic physics, including quantum system preparation, control, and measurement.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
In this unit, the student will familiarise with core concepts of quantum optics, nonlinear optics and atomic physics end explore them at an appropriate level of mathematical rigour. This will provide a solid physics foundation for most platforms of quantum technologies. The unit will also explore the application of these concepts to cutting-edge quantum technology, including quantum sensing, metrology, simulation, networking, communications, and memories.
At the end of the unit the student should:
The unit will be taught through a combination of
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Exercises released throughout the unit to prepare for open book exam. The students will try solving the exercises in their own time and then discuss them in problem classes
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
100% Timed, open-book examination.
When assessment does not go to plan:
Resit of the summative assessment will be possible in the resit period
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYSM0053).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
