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An Introduction to quantum optics and quantum fluctuations

Milonni, Peter W.

Chapter 3

Quantum Theory of the .Electromagnetic Field - all with Video Answers

Educators


Chapter Questions

12:52

Problem 1

(a) Using the completeness property for a Hermitian operator that is bounded from below but not from above (see Section 2.1), prove that the Hermite polynomials form a complete set. (b) Why is it necessary for the eigenvalues of a Hamiltonian operator in quantum theory to be bounded from below? (c) Does the completeness property apply for Hermitian operators that are bounded from above but not from below?

Abhijit Das
Abhijit Das
Numerade Educator
02:55

Problem 2

The rotational energy levels of a diatomic molecule are given approximately by $C J(J+1), J=0,1,2, \ldots$, with $C$ a constant depending on the particular molecule. The zero-point rotational energy is therefore zero. Why is this not a violation of the uncertainty relation?

Mayukh Banik
Mayukh Banik
Numerade Educator
01:43

Problem 3

What other assumptions for the mode functions $\mathbf{A}_0(\mathbf{r})$ are needed to derive (3.2.11)?

Lucas Finney
Lucas Finney
Numerade Educator

Problem 4

Justify the assumption that the mode functions in (3.3.5) are a complete set, that is, that the transverse vector potential in free space can be expressed in the form given in (3.3.9).

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01:24

Problem 5

Consider a circularly polarized plane wave propagating in the $z$ direction. For such a wave, $\mathbf{E} \times \mathbf{B}$ points in the $z$ direction, and therefore $\mathbf{r} \times(\mathbf{E} \times$ $\mathbf{B})$ has no $z$ component. How then can the definition $\mathbf{L}=\epsilon_0 \int d^3 r[\mathbf{r} \times(\mathbf{E} \times \mathbf{B})]$ of the total angular momentum for the field lead to intrinsic angular momentum with a non-vanishing $z$ component? (Note: in writing the second equality in $(3.3 .20)$, it has been assumed that surface terms vanish at infinity.)

Subhadeepta Sahoo
Subhadeepta Sahoo
Numerade Educator

Problem 6

(a) Suppose the field in our model with a classical source is not in its vacuum state $|0\rangle$ at $t=0$ but in a coherent state $|\alpha\rangle$. What is the field state at times $t>0$ ? (b) Does the conclusion that a classically prescribed source produces a coherent state of the field depend on our point-dipole model, or does it apply more generally to an extended source? (c) Using the Hamiltonian approach of Section 3.2, show that the right side of (3.6.51) is indeed the electric field given by classical electromagnetic theory.

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00:39

Problem 7

How are (3.6.93)-(3.6.96) changed if the down-converted light is initially in a coherent state rather than the vacuum state?

Jheremiah Simon
Jheremiah Simon
Numerade Educator
02:42

Problem 8

(a) Show that this definition of the degree of polarization is independent of how the $x$ and $y$ axes are chosen. (b) Show that $p(I)=\int_0^I d I_x p\left(I_x\right) p(I-$ $\left.I_x\right)$ and derive $(3.6 .111)$

Mahendra K
Mahendra K
Numerade Educator
06:22

Problem 9

(a) Using the $P$ representation of the density operator for a chaotic field, show that
$$
\left\langle e^{\mu^* a^{\dagger}-\mu a}\right\rangle=e^{-|\mu|^2(\langle n\rangle+1 / 2)}, \quad\langle n\rangle=\left\langle a^{\dagger} a\right\rangle
$$
(Hint: use (3.6.14) to put the operator $e^{\mu^* a^{\dagger}-\mu a}$ in normal order.) (b) Using (3.7.22), show that the probability distribution for the single-mode electric field $E=i C\left(a-a^{\dagger}\right)$ for chaotic light is
$$
P(\mathcal{E})=\sqrt{\frac{1}{2 \pi\left\langle E^2\right\rangle}} e^{-\mathcal{E}^2 / 2\left\langle E^2\right\rangle}
$$
(c) Consider a squeezed state for which $\Delta X_i<1 / 2, i=1$ or 2 , with $X_i$ defined by (3.6.77). Show that $P(\alpha)$ cannot be a positive-definite distribution function.

Tatiana Graham
Tatiana Graham
Numerade Educator
01:28

Problem 10

(a) Show that the expectation value of the electric field for chaotic radiation is 0. (b) Verify (3.9.4). (c) How are (3.9.4) and (3.9.5) related to the Einstein fluctuation formula and the Hanbury Brown-Twiss "photon bunching" effect?

Ajay Singhal
Ajay Singhal
Numerade Educator
05:13

Problem 11

(a) Using the formal identity $\delta^{\prime}(r) / r=-2 \pi \delta^3(\mathbf{r})$, show that (3.10.21) follows from $(3.10 .11)$. (b) Using again the uncertainty relation $\Delta A \Delta B \geq \frac{1}{2}|\langle A, B\rangle|$, verify $(3.10 .22)$.

Susan Hallstrom
Susan Hallstrom
Numerade Educator
02:11

Problem 12

Is it necessary for Einstein's argument, or for Bohr's rebuttal, that the escaping radiation consists of a single photon? What if the box is filled with a gas - do Einstein's argument and Bohr's rebuttal carry over if the clockwork allows atoms to escape from the box? What if the experiment is arranged so that the clock is held fixed outside the box and opens and closes the hole by remote control?

Jheremiah Simon
Jheremiah Simon
Numerade Educator