Quantum Technology Course: Phenomena in Macroscopic Systems | IIT Guwahati
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 352 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Physics |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlocking the Quantum Future: A Deep Dive into Macroscopic Quantum Phenomena
The next technological revolution will not be powered by silicon alone, but by the strange and powerful rules of quantum mechanics. From ultra-secure communication to computers that solve problems intractable for classical machines, quantum technology promises to reshape our world. But how do we bridge the gap between the bizarre quantum behavior of atoms and photons and the tangible, macroscopic devices we can build and use?
This is the central question explored in the comprehensive 12-week course, Quantum Technology and Quantum Phenomena In Macroscopic Systems, offered by one of India's leading experts in the field, Prof. Amarendra Kumar Sarma of IIT Guwahati.
Meet the Instructor: Prof. Amarendra Kumar Sarma
Prof. Amarendra Kumar Sarma is a Professor of Physics at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati. With a distinguished career at the forefront of theoretical research, his work spans fundamental and applied aspects of quantum and nonlinear optics. His current research focus is on Cavity Quantum Optomechanics and quantum correlations—key areas for developing quantum technologies. A dedicated mentor, Prof. Sarma has guided 8 students to their Ph.Ds and currently supervises 5 more, contributing significantly to the next generation of quantum scientists. His numerous publications in high-impact physics journals underscore his expertise and standing in the global research community.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is meticulously designed for students and researchers aiming to be at the forefront of this interdisciplinary field.
- Intended Audience: Students from B.Tech. Engineering Physics, M.Sc. Physics, and B.Tech. Electrical Engineering. It is also highly beneficial for Ph.D. students working in Condensed Matter Physics and Quantum Optics.
- Prerequisite: An elementary course in Quantum Mechanics is required to fully engage with the advanced material.
Course Overview and Objectives
Recent advancements have led to the creation of solid-state nano-systems where quantum effects dominate. This course provides the essential toolkit of quantum optics needed to describe and harness these systems. It moves beyond textbook quantum mechanics to show how quantum principles manifest and can be controlled in engineered macroscopic and mesoscopic devices. The goal is to equip students with the fundamental understanding required for upcoming quantum technologies and to motivate them towards a research career in this dynamic area.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction; Review of classical and quantum harmonic oscillator |
| Week 2 | Basic idea of quantization of electromagnetic fields; Density matrices |
| Week 3 | Coherent and squeezed states. Wigner density |
| Week 4 | Two-level atomic systems; Bloch vectors, Rabi oscillations |
| Week 5 | Cooper pair box as a two-level system; Microwave transmission line |
| Week 6 | Quantization of transmission line and Jaynes-Cummings model |
| Week 7 | Application in Circuit QED; Linblad master equation |
| Week 8 | Circuit QED and its technological applications; Assignment 1 Discussion |
| Week 9 | Cavity Quantum Optomechanics: Classical perspectives |
| Week 10 | Linearized Quantum Optomechanics; Assignment 2 Discussion |
| Week 11 | Optomechanical cooling, normal-mode splitting, Squeezing |
| Week 12 | Assignment 3 Discussion; Current research trends in circuit QED & Quantum Optomechanics |
Key Learning Modules
From Fundamentals to Qubits (Weeks 1-6)
The course begins by solidifying the foundation, reviewing the harmonic oscillator and introducing the quantization of light. It then delves into essential quantum optics concepts like coherent states and the powerful Wigner phase-space representation. The core unit on two-level systems (qubits) connects atomic physics with solid-state implementations like the Cooper pair box, a fundamental building block of superconducting quantum computers.
Circuit Quantum Electrodynamics (Weeks 6-8)
This module explores Circuit QED, where artificial atoms (qubits) interact with microwave photons in on-chip resonators. You will master the Jaynes-Cummings model and learn how to describe open quantum systems with the Linblad master equation, which is crucial for understanding and mitigating decoherence—the main enemy of quantum technology.
Cavity Quantum Optomechanics (Weeks 9-12)
Here, the focus shifts to controlling the quantum state of macroscopic mechanical objects. You'll learn how light in an optical cavity can be used to cool a mechanical resonator to its quantum ground state, generate quantum correlations, and create squeezed states of light and motion, pushing the boundaries of quantum measurement and sensing.
Recommended Textbook
Quantum Optomechanics, by W.P. Bowen and G.J. Milburn (CRC Press, 2016). This text provides an excellent in-depth reference for the optomechanics portion of the course, aligning closely with Prof. Sarma's research expertise.
Why This Course is Essential
This course is more than a series of lectures; it's a gateway to the cutting edge. By combining fundamental theory with direct applications in the two most promising platforms for quantum technology—Circuit QED and Quantum Optomechanics—it provides a unique and comprehensive perspective. For any student aspiring to contribute to quantum computing, sensing, or communication, the knowledge and insight offered here are invaluable. Under the guidance of Prof. Sarma, you will not just learn about quantum technology—you will begin to speak the language of its creation.
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