Mathematical Methods of Quantum Optics Softcover reprint of hardcover 1st ed. 2001 Edition

From the reviews of the first edition:

“This book provides an excellent introduction to the mathematical methods of quantum optics. It starts from the postulate of quantum mechanics, their mathematical consequences and paradoxes of quantum mechanics. Then, various SU algebras and representations of some Lie algebras are discussed. Then, stochastic processes, electromagnetic field quantization and atom-field interaction are presented. … This textbook can be recommended to teachers, postgraduate students and researchers as a book covering all the relevant mathematical and theoretical techniques of quantum optics.” (Lubomír Skála, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1041 (16), 2004)

“There are several good textbooks on quantum optics and there are also good textbooks on the mathematical theory of coherent states, which is a related area. This book covers the material in the middle and presents the mathematical methods used in quantum optics. It covers the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics, coherent states and related group theory, stochastic processes, atom-field interactions, two- and three-level systems, dissipation, etc. The material is clearly presented and it is suitable for postgraduate students and researchers in the field.” (Apostolos Vourdas, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2002 j)

“The initial overview of quantum mechanics is quite useful because of its conciseness and I feel that postgraduate students would benefit particularly from this. … the question is whether this book adds sufficiently to this store of knowledge to be worth buying. Overall I think it does and I can certainly recommend quantum opticians ordering one for their institutional libraries. Those involved more with the theory on a daily basis may find it handy to have a copy in their office.” (D. T. Pegg, The Physicist, Vol. 38 (5), 2001)

This book provides an accessible introduction to the mathematical methods of quantum optics. Starting from first principles, it reveals how a given system of atoms and a field is mathematically modelled. The method of eigenfunction expansion and the Lie algebraic method for solving equations are outlined. Analytically exactly solvable classes of equations are identified. The text also discusses consequences of Lie algebraic properties of Hamiltonians, such as the classification of their states as coherent, classical or non-classical based on the generalized uncertainty relation and the concept of quasiprobability distributions. A unified approach is developed for determining the dynamics of a two-level and a three-level atom interacting with combinations of quantized fields under certain conditions. Simple methods for solving a variety of linear and nonlinear dissipative master equations are given. The book will be valuable to newcomers to the field and to experimentalists in quantum optics.