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This is the first of a two-volume presentation on current research problems in quantum optics, and will serve as a standard reference in the field for many years to come. The book provides an introduction to the methods of quantum statistical mechanics used in quantum optics and their application to the quantum theories of the single-mode laser and optical bistability. The generalized representations of Drummond and Gardiner are discussed together with the more standard methods for deriving Fokker-Planck equations.

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The book provides an introduction to the methods of quantum statistical mechanics used in quantum optics and their application to the quantum theories of the single-mode laser and optical bistability. The generalized representations of Drummond and Gardiner are discussed together with the more standard methods for deriving Fokker--Planck equations. Particular attention is given to the theory of optical bistability formulated in terms of the positive P-representation, and the theory of small bistable systems. This is a textbook at an advanced graduate level. It is intended as a bridge between an introductory discussion of the master equation method and problems of current research.

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1. Dissipation in Quantum Mechanics: The Master Equation Approach.- 2. Two-Level Atoms and Spontaneous Emission.- 3. Quantum-Classical Correspondence for the Electromagnetic Field I: The Glauber-Sudarshan P Representation.- 4. Quantum-Classical Correspondence for the Electromagnetic Field II: P, Q, and Wigner Representations.- 5. Fokker-Planck Equations and Stochastic Differential Equations.- 6. Quantum-Classical Correspondence for Two-Level Atoms.- 7. The Single-Mode Homogeneously Broadened Laser I: Preliminaries.- 8. The Single-Mode Homogeneously Broadened Laser II: Phase-Space Analysis.- References.

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From the reviews
"To sum up: Statistical Methods in Quantum Optics 1 is an excellent book. Try it, you´ll like it!" (M.O. Scully, Physics Today, 2000)

"The book is carefully written, in considerable detail, paying attention to both foundations and applications. It contains exercices completing or generalizing the material presented, and ample references to the literature. It is, therefore, very useful as the basis for a course." (V.R. Vieira, Mathematical Reviews, 2000f)

PHYSICS TODAY
"...a valuable addition to the literature...an excellent book. Try it, you´ll like it!"

"It is a pleasure to recommend this title thoroughly for both individual and institutional purchase." (D. L. Andrews (University of Anglia), Contemporary Physics 2002, vol. 43, page 232-233)

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