Real Space Quantum Optics in Periodic Media by Prof. Joe Kraisler, Amherst College

Real Space Quantum Optics in Periodic Media by Prof. Joe Kraisler, Amherst College, Friday April 18, 1:00 – 1:50pm, North Science Building 015, Wachenheim, Faculty Seminar

Abstract: In quantum physics, the allowable energy levels of a system are described by the spectrum of a certain linear operator called the Hamiltonian. First, we will discuss the Schrodinger equation which describes the motion of an electron through an external potential and survey some tools and results in the case that this potential is periodic. Then we will introduce a model in quantum optics which describes the energy exchange between a collection of atoms with two distinct states, and an electromagnetic field. While this model is quite different physically from studying the motion of an electron, there are many mathematical analogies that can be made. Finally we will consider the case that the atoms are distributed periodically and discuss the allowable energy values in this system, as well as some more fine structure.

This talk will count for colloquium credit.