Quantum Optics is the study of radiation and matter in the optical wavelength domain, where sophisticated advances in laser technology enable tests of fundamental physical questions with unprecedented precision. Optical probes of coherent states of atoms and photons permit new insights into questions about the basic foundations of quantum mechanics and are leading to concrete realization of futuristic applications such as quantum computing, crytography and even teleportation. They are also permitting exciting advances in laser cooling and trapping (CAT) techniques that were highlighted by the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics, which was shared by UR alumnus Steven Chu (B.S. 1970). These are being extended to create Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) in ultra-cold (nano-°K) atomic gases, to explore the new field of nonlinear atom-optics, and to achieve potentially reversible control of single-molecule bond formation for the first time.
Departmental research in quantum optics spans a wide range of the above topics. Prof. Agrawal's research interests are in the area of theoretical optics, particularly quantum electronics, nonlinear optics, and laser physics. He has made important contributions to the fields of semiconductor lasers, nonlinear fiber optics, and optical communications. The Cooling and Trapping (CAT) Laboratory of Prof. Bigelow is leading a world-wide race for multispecies BEC in a single trap, and is carrying out experimental and theoretical studies of molecular interactions at low temperatures. Prof. Boyd is interested in studies of the nonlinear interaction of light with matter, in the development of nanostructured materials with exotic optical properties, and in the creation of quantum states of light through use of nonlinear optical techniques. Prof. Eberly's group is involved in theoretical studies of nonclassical states of radiation, continuous quantum entanglement, optical dark-state solitons, and electron correlation in high-field ionization. Prof. Howell's interests are in experimental and theoretical studies of the foundations of quantum mechanics and in quantum information science. The group of Prof. Stroud carries out experimental and theoretical studies of electron wave packets in coherently highly excited "Rydberg" atoms, as a means of investigating the the classical limit of quantum mechanics. Ways to use these atomic states to produce a quantum computer, and to produce intense sources of squeezed light, are under investigation. Prof. Wolf and his group conduct theoretical studies of the coherence properties of optical fields, the spectroscopy of partially coherent radiation, and the diffraction theory of direct and inverse scattering. Prof. Koratkova's research interests are the theories of coherence and polarization of light relating to generation, free space propagation, and interaction with various media, and turbulent atmosphere in particular.
The presence of the Institute of Optics (see our Optical Science page), a separate department in the University's School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (directed by Prof. McCrory), broadens the scope of activity on campus. Prof. Eberly directs the Rochester Theory Center (RTC) for Optical Science and Engineering, a University wide multidisciplinary program. Prof. Stroud directs the Rochester Center for Quantum Information, a multi-university research consortium of consisting of the University of Rochester, Stanford, Harvard, Cornell and Rutgers Universities. Prof. Bigelow directs the NSF Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Team: Next Generation Atom Chips for Information Technology [Nano-AMO].
Faculty
 Govind P. Agrawal |
 Nicholas P. Bigelow |
 Robert W. Boyd |
 Joseph H. Eberly |
 John C. Howell |
 Andrew N. Jordan |
 Lukas Novotny |
 Carlos R. Stroud |
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Taco Visser |
 Emil Wolf |
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