This thesis presents a theoretical investigation into the creation and exploitation of quantum correlations and entanglement among ultracold atoms. Specifically, it focuses on these non-classical effects in two contexts: (i) tests of local realism with massive particles, e.g., violations of a Bell inequality and the EPR paradox, and (ii) realization of quantum technology by exploitation of entanglement, for example quantum-enhanced metrology. In particular, the work presented in this thesis emphasizes the possibility of demonstrating and characterizing entanglement in realistic experiments, beyond the simple “toy-models” often discussed in the literature. The importance and relevance of this thesis are reflected in a spate of recent publications regarding experimental demonstrations of the atomic Hong-Ou-Mandel effect, observation of EPR entanglement with massive particles and a demonstration of an atomic SU(1,1) interferometer. With a separate chapter on each of these systems, this thesis is at the forefront of current research in ultracold atomic physics.

Quantum mechanics entails effects like superpositions and entanglement, which have no classical counterparts. From a technological standpoint these counterintuitive quantum aspects can be viewed as an unexploited resource that can be harnessed to support various tasks, e.g. in the domains of computation, communication, and metrology. In many applications, however, the potential of nonclassical states cannot practically be exploited due to detection inefficiencies. The authors address this limitation by experimentally realizing a novel detection scheme in which entangling interactions are time reversed. In this way, nonclassical many-particle states are disentangled, allowing them to be detected in a robust and technically feasible manner. In the context of quantum metrology, these nonlinear readout techniques extend the class of entangled probe states that can be leveraged for sensing applications without being limited by finite detector resolution. The authors present an active atom interferometer, where both the entangled state preparation and disentangling readout involve parametric amplification. This “SU(1,1)” interferometer is implemented with the help of spinor Bose–Einstein condensates, where amplification is implemented by atomic collisions leading to spin exchange.

Crucial to most research in physics, as well as leading to the development of inventions such as the transistor and the laser, quantum mechanics approaches its centenary with an impressive record. However, the field has also long been the subject of ongoing debates about the foundations and interpretation of the theory, referred to as the quantum controversy. This Oxford Handbook offers a historical overview of the contrasts which have been at the heart of quantum physics for the last 100 years. Drawing on the wide-ranging expertise of several contributors working across physics, history, and philosophy, the handbook outlines the main theories and interpretations of quantum physics. It goes on to tackle the key controversies surrounding the field, touching on issues such as determinism, realism, locality, classicality, information, measurements, mathematical foundations, and the links between quantum theory and gravity. This engaging introduction is an essential guide for all those interested in the history of scientific controversies and history of quantum physics. It also provides a fascinating examination of the potential of quantum physics to influence new discoveries and advances in fields such quantum information and computing.

Comprehensive introduction to the theory of superconducting circuits and their application in quantum computing and simulation.

Comprises a comprehensive reference source that unifies the entire fields of atomic molecular and optical (AMO) physics, assembling the principal ideas, techniques and results of the field. 92 chapters written by about 120 authors present the principal ideas, techniques and results of the field, together with a guide to the primary research literature (carefully edited to ensure a uniform coverage and style, with extensive cross-references). Along with a summary of key ideas, techniques, and results, many chapters offer diagrams of apparatus, graphs, and tables of data. From atomic spectroscopy to applications in comets, one finds contributions from over 100 authors, all leaders in their respective disciplines. Substantially updated and expanded since the original 1996 edition, it now contains several entirely new chapters covering current areas of great research interest that barely existed in 1996, such as Bose-Einstein condensation, quantum information, and cosmological variations of the fundamental constants. A fully-searchable CD- ROM version of the contents accompanies the handbook.

This review volume is intended to survey the field of quantum fluctuational phenomena induced by material bodies, which is commonly encompassed under the name of Casimir physics. H B G Casimir first discovered that zero-point fluctuations in the electromagnetic field caused an attractive force between closely separated metallic plates. Now — 75 years later — the field is burgeoning, with numerous experimental verifications and applications to practical devices starting to emerge.In this book, new ideas about Casimir physics are brought to bear on such diverse subjects as cosmology, where the Casimir energy may explain the dark energy that causes the cosmic repulsion, and nonstatic regimes, such as Casimir or quantum friction. Unsolved problems, including divergences in Casimir self-energies, the meaning of local energy densities in inhomogeneous backgrounds, and discrepancies between theory and experiment, are treated in some detail. It is hoped that this collection of papers will serve as an introduction to the field for newcomers to the subject, and that it will inspire a new burst of research into the nature of the quantum vacuum.

The development of transistors, the integrated circuit, liquid-crystal displays, and even DVD players can be traced back to fundamental research pioneered in the field of condensed-matter and materials physics (CMPP). The United States has been a leader in the field, but that status is now in jeopardy. Condensed-Matter and Materials Physics, part of the Physics 2010 decadal survey project, assesses the present state of the field in the United States, examines possible directions for the 21st century, offers a set of scientific challenges for American researchers to tackle, and makes recommendations for effective spending of federal funds. This book maintains that the field of CMPP is certain to be principle to both scientific and economic advances over the next decade and the lack of an achievable plan would leave the United States behind. This book's discussion of the intellectual and technological challenges of the coming decade centers around six grand challenges concerning energy demand, the physics of life, information technology, nanotechnology, complex phenomena, and behavior far from equilibrium. Policy makers, university administrators, industry research and development executives dependent upon developments in CMPP, and scientists working in the field will find this book of interest.