Quantum Electronics, Volume 1: Basic Theory is a condensed and generalized description of the many research and rapid progress done on the subject. It is translated from the Russian language. The volume describes the basic theory of quantum electronics, and shows how the concepts and equations followed in quantum electronics arise from the basic principles of theoretical physics. The book then briefly discusses the interaction of an electromagnetic field with matter.
The text also covers the quantum theory of relaxation process when a quantum system approaches an equilibrium state, and explains the role of the relaxation process in quantum electronics. The book then presents the possible quantum effects in ordinary electronics at very high frequencies and low temperature conditions. The behavior of quantum systems interacting in weak and strong fields and the equations of motion for two- and three-level systems are analyzed. The text also explains the theory of spontaneous and stimulated emission and this theory's association with classical theory. The book then takes up the development of lasers. The text explains that the laser's capability to generate concentrated electromagnetic fields with a very small spectral width can be used with the linear electro-optical effect, the Kerr effect, and the Faraday effect for better research.
Readers with some knowledge in theoretical physics, particularly on quantum mechanics, will find this book valuable.

Contenu

Foreword

Preface to the English Edition

Introduction

Volume 1. Basic Theory

Chapter I. The Quantum Theory of the Interaction of Radiation with Matter

The Basic Concepts of the Quantum Theory
The change of Quantum State with Time
The Quantum Theory of Fields in Ideal Resonators, Waveguides and Free Space
The Interaction of Matter with a Field
Non-Stationary Perturbation Theory. Transition Probability
Chapter II. The Quantum Theory of Relaxation Processes
General Properties of Irreversible Processes
The Quantum Transport Equation in G-Space
The Transport Equation in µ-Space
The Principle of the Increase of Entropy
The Transport Equation Description of Fluctuations
Chapter III. Quantum Effects Appearing in the Interaction of Free Electrons with High-Frequency Fields in Resonators
The Quantum Theory of Fields in Lossy Resonators
Quantum Effects in the Interaction of Electrons with the Field in a Resonator
Effects Connected with the Quantum Nature of the Motion of an Electron. Conclusions and Estimates
Chapter IV. The Behavior of Quantum Systems in Weak Fields
Susceptibility
Symmetry Relations for the Susceptibility
The Dispersion Relations
The Fluctuation-Dissipation Theorem
Multi-Level Systems. The Absorption Line Shape
Two-Level Systems
The Method of Moments. Spin-Spin Relaxation
Cross-Relaxation
Chapter V. The Behavior of Quantum Systems in Strong Fields
The Non-Linear Properties of a Medium
Two-Level Systems in a Strong Field
Three-Level Systems
Distributed Systems, Taking Account of the Motion of the Molecules
Chapter VI. Spontaneous and Stimulated Emission
The Concept of Spontaneous and Stimulated Emission
The Classical Discussion
The Quantum Theory of Spontaneous and Stimulated Emission in a System of Two-Level Molecules
The Correspondence Principle
General Expressions for the Intensities of Spontaneous and Stimulated Emission
Chapter VII. Spontaneous and Stimulated Emission in Free Space
Coherence during Spontaneous Emission
Balance Equations and Transport Equations
The Natural Width and Shift of the Emission Line
Radiation from a System Whose Dimensions are much Larger than the Wavelength
Chapter VIII. Emission in a Resonator
The Fundamental Equations
Free Motion (with no External Field)
Stimulated and Spontaneous Emission in a Resonator
Chapter IX. Non-Linear Effects in Optics
Two-Quantum Processes. The Raman Effect, Stimulated and Spontaneous Emission
The Propagation of Parametrically Coupled Electromagnetic Waves
Stimulated Raman Emission