Description and contextualization of the subject

Este curso sobre Laboratorios Cuánticos seguirá al curso obligatorio de Óptica Cuántica del primer semestre, aplicando y ampliando los fundamentos aprendidos allí a experiencias reales de laboratorio relacionadas con tecnologías cuánticas de onda de luz modernas, como las comunicaciones y la detección. Aproximadamente la mitad del contenido del curso se dedicará a clases de teoría, con el objetivo de introducir y revisar la física y la historia que subyacen a los experimentos que se llevarán a cabo en la segunda mitad.

Learning outcomes of the subject

Knowledge or content:

RCO1. Demonstrate the ability to explain the fundamental principles of the quantum world, both at a basic and technical level.

RCO2. Have a basic knowledge of the relevant literature in quantum mechanics and be capable of effectively reading and understanding research articles.

RCO3. Be able to initiate the development of original ideas and applications within the context of quantum physics research.

RCO4. Possess the capacity for independent research, synthesis, and be able to present in a clear and structured way complex issues related to the various areas of quantum mechanics addressed in this Master¿s program.

RCO5. Under supervision, demonstrate the ability to write and defend original work that meets the quality standards required for publication in high-impact indexed journals.

RCO6. Be able to identify opportunities for innovation and technology transfer in the field of quantum science and technology.

RCO12. Know the basic literature and demonstrate the ability to solve standard problems in the field of Quantum Technologies.



Competencies:

RC1. Possess and understand knowledge that provides a basis or opportunity for developing and/or applying original ideas, often in a research context.

RC2. Apply acquired knowledge and problem-solving skills in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study.

RC3. Demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and address the complexity of formulating judgments based on incomplete or limited information, including reflection on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments.

RC4. Communicate conclusions, as well as the underlying knowledge and rationale, clearly and unambiguously to both specialized and non-specialized audiences.

RC5. Possess learning skills that enable continued study in a largely self-directed or autonomous manner.



Abilities or skills:



RHE1. Demonstrate proficiency in using tools for bibliographic resource searches.

RHE2. Exhibit critical capacity to read research articles and incorporate their findings into one¿s own work.

RHE3. Write and present original work in one of the official languages and in English.

RHE4. Communicate scientific concepts and results clearly and effectively to both specialized and non-specialized audiences, through presentations and publications.

RHE5. Demonstrate the ability for autonomous learning and staying current with scientific and technological advances.





RHT1. Understand and apply the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics to analyze and solve problems in basic research in quantum science.

RHT2. Understand and apply the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics to analyze and solve problems in quantum technology.

RHT3. Effectively integrate into a fundamental or applied research project involving quantum aspects, and solve problems in multidisciplinary environments.

RHT5. Evaluate and select appropriate tools and techniques for the development of technological applications based on quantum physics.

RHT6. Join a company focused on the development of quantum technologies, contributing both to research and development and to the implementation of new strategies based on the principles of quantum mechanics.

Temary

Physics of the Laser. History, spontaneous and stimulated emission, multilevel lasing model and rate equations, types and features of lasers, safety measures in laser labs.

Transient laser-matter interactions. Basics of non-stationary coherent interactions of light with matter, applications in time-resolved spectroscopy.

Quantum light sources. Basics of nonlinear quantum optics and frequency mixing, spontaneous parametric down-conversion, squeezing.

Characterization of quantum light states. Heralded single photons and entangled photon pairs, non-classical correlations, Hanbury Brown & Twiss effect, Bell¿s inequalities, quantum-state tomography.

Quantum Interferometry. Wave-particle dualism, single-photon Michelson interferometer, particle indistinguishability, Hong-Ou-Mandel effect.

Quantum Communications. Fundamentals and state-of-the-art, random number generation, quantum key distribution and its protocols.

Quantum Sensing. Fundamentals of magnetometry using nitrogen-vacancy centres.

Uncertainty in experimental science. Fundamentals of uncertainty and error propagation theory.



PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES:

1 ¿ Physics of the Laser: Alignment and beam characterization (spatial profile, M2 measurement); Michelson + Mach-Zehnder interferometry; Diffraction

2 ¿ Time-resolved spectroscopy

3 ¿ Generation of quantum light: Photon pairs and heralded single photons via SPDC. Photon statistics and comparison with coherent states using the second-order correlation function g(2)

4 ¿ Characterization of entanglement and non-classical correlations present in quantum light. Quantum state tomography

5 ¿ Photon indistinguishability and Hong-Ou-Mandel effect

6 ¿ Testing wave-particle duality: Single-photon Michelson and Hanbury Brown & Twiss interferometry

7 ¿ Quantum Key Distribution ¿ BB84 protocol

8 ¿ Quantum sensing using NV centres

Bibliography

Basic bibliography

"Quantum Optics for Experimentalists," Z.-Y. Ou. World Scientific.

"Principles of Lasers" ¿ O. Svelto. Springer.

"Principles of Optics" ¿ M. Born and E. Wolf. Cambridge Univ. Press.

"Nonlinear Optics" ¿ R. W. Boyd. Academic Press.

"Introduction to Quantum Optics" ¿ C.C. Gerry and P.L. Knight. Cambridge Univ. Press.

"Quantum Optics: An Introduction" ¿ M. Fox. Oxford Univ. Press.

"The Quantum Theory of Light" ¿ R. Loudon. Oxford Univ. Press.

"Quantum Optics" ¿ M. O. Scully and M. S. Zubairy. Cambridge Univ. Press.

Journals

List of relevant journal references provided by the lecturers.