Introductory Quantum Optics: Beam splitters and interferometers

摘要: Experiments with single photons Central to the entire discipline of quantum optics, as should be evident from preceding chapters, is concept photon. Yet it perhaps worthwhile pause and ask: what evidence for existence photons? Most us first encounter photon in context photo-electric effect. As we showed Chapter 5, effect is, fact, used indirectly detect presence – photo-electrons being entities counted. But turns out that some aspects can explained without introducing In one go quite far a semiclassical theory which only atoms are quantized field treated classically. hasten say that, satisfactory explanation all effect, must quantized. happens, other venerable “proof” photons, Compton also fields. an attempt obtain effects light, Taylor, 1909, obtained interference fringes experiment extremely weak source light. His was gas flame emitted light attenuated by means screens made smoked glass.