"Quantum Theory of Near-field Electrodynamics" gives a self-contained account of the fundamental theory of field-matter interaction on a subwavelength scale. The quantum physical behavior of matter (atoms and mesoscopic media) in both classical and quantum fields is treated. The role of local-field effects and nonlocal electrodynamics, and the tight links to the theory of spatial photon localization are emphasized. The book may serve as a reference work in the field, and is of general interest for physicists working in quantum optics, mesoscopic electrodynamics and physical optics. The macroscopic and microscopic classical theories form a good starting point for the quantum approach, and these theories are presented in a manner appropriate for graduate students entering near-field optics.

From the early wave-particle arguments to the mathematical theory of electromagnetism to Einstein s work on the quantization of light, different descriptions of what constitutes light have existed for over 300 years. Light The Physics of the Photon examines the photon phenomenon from several perspectives. It demonstrates the importance of studying the photon as a concept belonging to a global vacuum (matter-free space).

Divided into eight parts, the book begins with exploring aspects of classical optics in a global vacuum on the basis of free-space Maxwell equations. It then describes light rays and geodesics and presents a brief account of the Maxwell theory in general relativity. After discussing the theory of photon wave mechanics, the author gives a field-quantized description of the electromagnetic field, emphasizing single-photon quantum optics in Minkowskian space. He next focuses on photon physics in the rim zone of matter, paying particular attention to photon emission processes. He also takes a closer look at the photon source domain and field propagators, which conveniently describe the photon field propagation in the vicinity of and far from the electronic source domain. The last two parts discuss the photon vacuum and light quanta in Minkowskian space as well as two-photon entanglement, which is associated with the biphoton in space-time."

In recent years one has witnessed in physics a substantial increase in interest in carrying out fundamental studies in the nonlinear optics of condensed matter. At the Danish universities, this increase has been especially pronounced at the Institute of Physics at the University of Aalborg, where the main activities are centered around fundamental research within the domains of nonlinear quantum optics, nonlinear optics of metals and superconductors, and nonlinear surface optics. In recognition of this it was decided to arrange the first international summer school on nonlinear optics in Denmark at the Institute of Physics at the University of Aalborg. This book is based on the lectures and contributed papers presented at this international summer school, which was held in the period 31 July-4 Au gust 1989. About 60 experienced and younger scientists from 12 different countries participated. Twenty-eight lectures were given by 14 distinguished scientists from the United States, Italy, France, Germany, Scotland, England, and Denmark. In addition to the lectures given by the invited speakers, 11 contributed papers were presented. The programme of the summer school em phasized a treatment of basic physical properties of the nonlinear interaction of light and condensed matter and both theoretical and experimental aspects were covered. Furthermore, general principles as well as topics of current interest in the research literature were discussed."

"Quantum Theory of Near-field Electrodynamics" gives a self-contained account of the fundamental theory of field-matter interaction on a subwavelength scale. The quantum physical behavior of matter (atoms and mesoscopic media) in both classical and quantum fields is treated. The role of local-field effects and nonlocal electrodynamics, and the tight links to the theory of spatial photon localization are emphasized. The book may serve as a reference work in the field, and is of general interest for physicists working in quantum optics, mesoscopic electrodynamics and physical optics. The macroscopic and microscopic classical theories form a good starting point for the quantum approach, and these theories are presented in a manner appropriate for graduate students entering near-field optics.