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Exploring the quantum. Atoms, cavities and photons. (English) Zbl 1118.81001

Oxford Graduate Texts. Oxford: Oxford University Press (ISBN 978-0-19-850914-1/hbk). x, 605 p. (2006).
This is the best book that has yet been written about atom/photon-in-a-box experiments and their theoretical framework. It tells the story how the wonders of quantum theory, previously explored merely as thought experiments (by Einstein, Bohr, Schrödinger etc.), have become real in many laboratories around the world. Here the quantum world comes into focus when one ventures in the direction of the very small and the very cold. No physicist Exploring the quantum will remain indifferent to the philosophical implications of the puzzling features.
The authors are known for their widely recognized work at the Laboratoire Kastler Brossel in Paris on cavity quantum optics, microwave cavities, non-demolition photon counting, and trapping of Rydberg atoms. The material of the book is thus based on the experience of experts. Besides it is based on lectures on quantum information given by the authors in the period 2001 to 2006. The connection is this: the experiments have been triggered by the efforts and advances made in quantum information and computation. Apart from a detailed analysis of the relevant experimental observations, the book contains a brief overview of the various technological advances making them possible. The extensive bibliography is very helpful.
On the theoretical side the book discusses the phenomenon of decoherence which forces pure states to become density operators, the role of Bell’s inequalities, the transition to quantum statistical physics, and measurements with their quantum-classical boundary. The mathematical prerequisites are such that even undergraduate students with some knowledge of quantum mechanics may benefit from reading the book.

MSC:

81-01 Introductory exposition (textbooks, tutorial papers, etc.) pertaining to quantum theory
81-05 Experimental work for problems pertaining to quantum theory
81P68 Quantum computation
81P15 Quantum measurement theory, state operations, state preparations
81V80 Quantum optics
82B10 Quantum equilibrium statistical mechanics (general)
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