My teaching is centered on quantum mechanics and its applications, mainly in quantum optics and in the domain of atom manipulation and cooling. It takes place at Ecole polytechnique (courses PHY311 and PHY432) and at Ecole normale supérieure (level M1 and M2).
First year quantum mechanics
The first year course PHY311 is attended by all 500 students. Its goal is to provide the students with an introduction to quantum mechanics and some of its applications. It starts with wave mechanics, concentrating on one-dimensional problems such as the motion of a particle in a square well and the harmonic oscillator. This leads to the notion of state vector and to the formulation of the principles of quantum mechanics using Dirac formalism. These principles are illustrated using the description of maser operation and quantum cryptography. This course has strong cross-references with the courses on mathematics and on probability theory. Lectures are given by Philippe Grangier et Jean Dalibard.
Second year course in physics
The second year course PHY432 is an optional course which consists in a set of lectures on quantum mechanics (lectures by Jean Dalibard) and another set on statistical physics (lectures by Marc Mézard). In 2006, this course was attended by 80% of the students. The quantum mechanics course starts with the basic principles of the theory and their illustrations with simple systems. Then it addresses problems involving several degrees of freedom, which leads naturally to the quantization of angular momentum and the notion of spin. These concepts are illustrated by examples in atomic physics, magnetic resonance, and entangled states (with a discussion of EPR paradox and Bell inequalities). Finally, the investigation of systems of identical particles and of the Pauli principle provides a natural step towards statistical physics.
The quantum mechanics course of Ecole polytechnique and the corresponding problem set are published by Springer:
Quantum Mechanics, Jean-Louis-Basdevant, Jean Dalibard, with a CD (and a web site) by Manuel Joffre
The Quantum Solver, Jean-Louis-Basdevant and Jean Dalibard
Quantum coherence and dissipation
In this course we discuss several physical situations wich originate from quantum optics, atomic physics or condensed matter physics, where quantum coherence plays an important role. Using simple examples we show that coherence is related to the existence of several indistinguishable paths for the history of a quantum system. Decoherence resulting from the coupling between the system and its environment is discussed in terms of master equation for the density matrix, and in terms of stochastic wave functions. We explain the origin of the fragility of superposition of states involving macroscopic objects, the so-called "Schrödinger cats". Finally we address the notion of phase for a quantum coherent system such as a Bose-Einstein condensate, and we discuss some recent experimental results in this domain.
This course is part of the Formation interuniversitaire de physique (Paris VI, Paris VII, Paris XI, ENS). In 2005 and 2006, problem sessions were given by Adrien Mahé.
Exam of November 2003: Decoherence in an atom interferometer (French text)
Exam of Novembre 2004: Interaction with a "structured" continuum: from spontaneous emission to Rabi oscillation (French text)
Exam of Novembre 2005: Dark resonances and subrecoil cooling (French text)
Exam of November 2006: Quantum jumps in a Penning trap (French text)
Exam of November 2007: The superradiance phenomenon (French text)
Cold atoms.
This course presents the principles and the practical implementation of the recent methods which have been developed for cooling atoms by light, and for trapping charged and neutral particles using electromagnetic fields. Then it explores some spectacular applications of the research field: degenerate quantum gases, Bose-Einstein condensation, atom interferometry. The course is part of the Master "Sciences & Technologie, Concepts fondamentaux de la physique".
Advanced quantum mechanics.
This course, taught from 1990 to 2000 at the "DEA de Physique Quantique", is devoted to systems of identical particles and second quantization, to the treatment of time-dependent problems, and to scattering theory.