Phase operator in quantum optics

[kith]

I recently got interested in some aspects of quantum optics and have a basic question.

There is an uncertainty relation concerning the phase and the particle number of a mode. How is this phase observable defined?

Where can I read about such basic concepts without dwelling deeply into higher order correlation functions and the like?

 

[Jano L.]

Prof. Balakrishnan gives a great lecture on the quantization of free EM radiation in a cube. In the end of the lecture, he discusses one simple possibility way define the phase operator and shows that it leads to serious problems:



All lectures on QT should be like that - interesting, careful, pointing out also deficiencies of the theory.

I have found that there is also this review:

http://www.crcpress.com/product/isbn/9781584887607.

 

[kith]

Thanks Jano, I am going to watch this. And wow to this review book, 500 pages about the phase operator alone. ;-)

All lectures on QT should be like that - interesting, careful, pointing out also deficiencies of the theory.

I completely agree.