Control of light emission in Parametric Oscillators with Photonic Crystals

Abstract

Since light was quantized by Einstein when studying the photoelectric effect at the beginning of the XXth century, the non classical nature of light, subject of Quantum Optics, has been shown in many different experiments [Bachor & Ralph] and has been involved in the most important fundamental tests of Quantum Physics [Zeilinger]. Moreover, technologies based on quantum phenomena are beginning to enter domains having been dominated by classical optics in two different scenarios. In the first one, a classical technology is pushed until one reaches a point where the operation is limited by quantum noise effects, also due to progressive device miniaturization. In the second scenario, quantum effects allow for novel applications such as quantum communications and, most prominently quantum cryptography. The basis for these innovations is the ability to control and manipulate quantum states of light. This Master thesis is a theoretical work which participates of both perspectives having as objectives the study of quantum fluctuations and fundamental quantum phenomena in optical devices.