Photonic Quantum Technologies
Module PH2239
Module version of WS 2017/8 (current)
There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.
Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.
| available module versions | |
|---|---|
| WS 2017/8 | WS 2016/7 |
Basic Information
PH2239 is a semester module in English or German language at Master’s level which is offered in winter semester.
This module description is valid to SS 2019.
If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.
| Total workload | Contact hours | Credits (ECTS) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 h | 45 h | 5 CP |
Responsible coordinator of the module PH2239 is Michael Kaniber.
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
Some fundamentals of photonic quantum information processing with focus on solid-state systems
- Fundamentlas (Q-Bit, logic quantum gates, Bloch-sphere)
- Optical processes in atoms
- Non-classical light
- Quantum cryptography
- Light-atom interaction
- Cavity quantum electrodynamics
- Single photon detectors
Learning Outcome
After successfull completion of this course the participant should have gained knowlege of
- Main difference between classical and quantum information processing
- Basic parts needed for quantum information processing in a quantum network or quatum computer
- Differenz optical processes possible in 2-level systems and their quantum physical description
- Glimpse of the main properties of semiconductor quantum dots as solid-state analogous of atoms (so-called "articial atom")
- Generation of single photons with different methods and their quantum optical description
- The application of single photons for the secure transmission of data using qunatum cryptography
- Different regimes (weak and strong field limit) interaction between light and matter; based on a single 2-level atom
- Modification of the optical properties of atoms by embeeding them into optical micro-cavities (quality factor, Purcell-effect, weak and strong coupling, ...)
- Detection of single photons using superconducting single photon detectors (working principal, fabrication and usage)
Preconditions
No preconditions in addition to the requirements for the Master’s program in Physics.
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Learning and Teaching Methods
Using structured lectures, we will describe the basics of photonic quantum technologies and show how those concepts and devices are interrelated with each other. Those general and mostly theoretical aspects will be supported by a detailed discussion of specific examples. Here, we will in particular concentrate on semiconductor-based systems, related to the research at the Walter Schottky Institute, TUM. Moreover, we will complement the lectures by an additional exercise/discussion round, where recent publications are discussed in smaller groups. Finally, we will underpin the experimental aspects by selected lab tours in our institute.
Media
- Powerpoint presentation
- video sequences (where appropriate)
- black board / table where useful
Literature
Books:
- Nielsen&Chuang: Quantum computation and quantum information (contains much more than we will cover)
- Fox: Quantum optics
- Loudon: The quantum theory of light
- Davies: The physics of low-dimensional semiconductors
Many citations to current research literature and journal articles will be given on the slides of the according presentations
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
There will be an oral exam of 30 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions and sample calculations.
For example an assignment in the exam might be:
- What criteria have to be fulfilled for a quantum computer?
- Name different field of quantum information science!
- Describe different concepts for generating single photons?
- What is the underlying reason that spontaneous emission occurs!
- How can one realise photonic components for on-chip quantum applications?
- Describe the interaction regimes of cavity quantum electrodynamics!
In the exam no learning aids are permitted.
Participation in the exercise classes is strongly recommended since the exercises prepare for the problems of the exam and rehearse the specific competencies.