This book is an up-to-date introduction to the quantum theory of measurement. Although the main principles of the field were elaborated in the 1930s by Bohr, Schrödinger, Heisenberg, von Neuman, and Mandelstam, it was not until the 1980s that technology became sufficiently advanced to allow its application in real experiments. Quantum measurement is now central to many ultra-high technology developments, such as "squeezed light," single atom traps, and searches for gravitational radiation. It is also considered to have great promise for computer science and engineering, particularly for its applications in information processing and transfer. The book begins with a brief introduction to the relevant theory and goes on to discuss all aspects of the design of practical quantum measurement systems.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Editor's foreword; Notation; 1. Historical introduction: photons and measurements using photons; 2. The main principles of quantum mechanics; 3. Indirect measurements; 4. Quantum nondemolition measurements; 5. Linear measurements; 6. Continuous linear measurements; 7. Nonlinear systems for continuous measurements; 8. Detection of classical forces; 9. Energetic quantum limitations; 10. Devices for measuring small mechanical displacements; 11. Quantum nondemolition measurements of a resonator's energy; 12. Nonclassical states of electromagnetic waves as tools for quantum measurements; Conclusion; References; Subject index.
