Quantum Measurement

This book adopts a novel, physics-first approach to quantum measurement, using physical experiments as the basis to describe the underlying mathematical formalism. Topics covered include weak measurements, quantum measurement reversal, quantum trajectories and the stochastic path integral formalism. The theory of quantum measurement is also covered in detail, including discussion of how it can be tested and demonstrated in a laboratory: how to build quantum-limited amplifiers, fundamental noise limits imposed on measurement by quantum mechanics, and the design of superconducting circuits. This text is an excellent introduction for students with a basic understanding of quantum mechanics wanting to learn more about measurement theory, and the inclusion of a wide selection of end-of-chapter exercises make this book ideal for emerging courses on the topic. Key chapters introducing the foundations of quantum computing and the history of measurement theory are equally accessible to a broader, less specialised audience.

Author Biography

Andrew N. Jordan received his B.S. from Texas A&M and his Ph.D. in physics from UC Santa Barbara. He has served on the faculty at the University of Rochester and Chapman University where is he is co-Director of the Institute for Quantum Studies. Andrew has received the NSF CAREER award and a Simons Fellowship in theoretical physics for his work. Irfan Siddiqi received his A.B. from Harvard University and Ph.D. in applied physics from Yale University. He is a member of the Physics and Electrical Engineering departments at UC Berkeley and faculty scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Irfan is Fellow of the American Physical Society and has received numerous awards including George E. Valley, Jr. Prize, the John F. Keithley Award, and UC Berkeley Distinguished Teaching Award.