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47188-01 - Lecture: Quantum Optics: Light Interactions With Atoms and Semiconductors (4 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Every 2nd spring sem |
| Lecturers |
Patrick Maletinsky (patrick.maletinsky@unibas.ch, Assessor)
Tomasz Smolenski (tomasz.smolenski@unibas.ch) |
| Content | Quantum control of matter with light and light with matter is at the heart of many spectacular advances in the field of quantum science and technology. Light-matter interactions play an essential role in a variety of systems such as ultracold atomic gases, trapped ions, semiconducting micro- and nanostructures, NV centers in diamond, optomechanical systems and, in the microwave domain, in superconducting devices. Experiments and theory are often closely connected in this field. This lecture gives an introduction to the physics of light-matter interactions and its applications in quantum technology and quantum sensing. In the first part, the focus will be mainly on light interactions with atomic systems; the second part of the lecture will focus on light-matter coupling in semiconductor micro- and nanostructures. Specific topics to be discussed include: Two-level system interacting with light, Rabi oscillations, Ramsey spectroscopy, optical Bloch equations, mechanical effects of light, laser cooling and trapping, Jaynes-Cummings model, spontaneous emission, cavity quantum electrodynamics, optomechanics, three-level atoms interacting with light, excitons and exciton-polaritons in semiconductor structures of different dimensionalities, optical excitations in semiconductors as sensors of electronic correlations. |
| Learning objectives | The goal is to provide a solid background for research involving light-matter interactions in the fields of quantum optics, atomic physics and condensed-matter physics. |
| Bibliography | Will be discussed in the lecture. |
| Comments | This is the second part of a two-semester course on quantum optics. The first part, offered in fall, focuses on quantum states of light. The second part, offered in spring, focuses on light-matter interactions. The two parts are designed such that they can also be taken independently or in reverse order. |
| Admission requirements | Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics, classical optics and atomic physics. |
| Language of instruction | German |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Course auditors welcome |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Thursday | 14.15-16.00 | Physik, Alter Hörsaal 2, 1.22 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 19.02.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Physik, Alter Hörsaal 2, 1.22 |
| Thursday 26.02.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Fasnachtsferien |
| Thursday 05.03.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Physik, Alter Hörsaal 2, 1.22 |
| Thursday 12.03.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Physik, Alter Hörsaal 2, 1.22 |
| Thursday 19.03.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Physik, Alter Hörsaal 2, 1.22 |
| Thursday 26.03.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Physik, Alter Hörsaal 2, 1.22 |
| Thursday 02.04.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Ostern |
| Thursday 09.04.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Physik, Alter Hörsaal 2, 1.22 |
| Thursday 16.04.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Physik, Alter Hörsaal 2, 1.22 |
| Thursday 23.04.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Physik, Alter Hörsaal 2, 1.22 |
| Thursday 30.04.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Physik, Alter Hörsaal 2, 1.22 |
| Thursday 07.05.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Physik, Alter Hörsaal 2, 1.22 |
| Thursday 14.05.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Auffahrt |
| Thursday 21.05.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Physik, Alter Hörsaal 2, 1.22 |
| Thursday 28.05.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Physik, Alter Hörsaal 2, 1.22 |
| Modules |
Module Specialisation: Physics (Master's Studies: Nanosciences) Module: Chemical Physics (Bachelor's Studies: Chemistry) Module: Specialisation (Master's Studies: Physics) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | 1-6 0,5 |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Science, studiendekanat-philnat@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Departement Physik |