Introduction to Quantum Optics

The theory of quantum propagator and time–dependent integrals of motion in quantum optics is reviewed as well as the properties of Wigner function, Q– function, and coherent state representation. Propagators and wave functions of a free particle, harmonic oscillator, and the oscillator with varying frequency are studied using time–dependent linear in position and momentum integrals of motion. Such nonclassical states of light (of quantum systems) as squeezed states, correlated states, even and odd coherent states (Schrödinger cat states) are considered. Photon distribution functions of Schrödinger cat male and female states are given, and the photon distribution function of squeezed vacuum is derived using the theory of the oscillator with varying parameters. Properties of multivariable Hermite polynomials used for the description of the multimode squeezed and correlated light and polymode Schrödinger cats are studied.