Abstract

Recent developments in quantum optics have led to the realization that it is essential to include dispersion in the quantum theory of a linear or nonlinear dielectric, as in a fiber waveguide. There are increasing numbers of experiments that allow direct access to the quantum properties of radiation fields, ranging from quantum soliton experiments to QND measurements and quantum dynamics experiments directed at reducing photon number noise levels for device applications. These experiments, as well as more recent theoretical proposals, also have the character of fundamental tests of the quantum theory of interacting fields. They are complementary to older accelerator-based tests, taking place in low-energy regimes where control is available on the dimensionali ty of the interacting quantum fields.

© 1998 Optical Society of America