The aim of this course is to introduce key experimental techniques and analysis methods used in contemporary quantum optics and quantum information laboratories.

A short series of lectures will provide an overview of the physical principles, experimental tools and recent scientific developments associated with:

1. generation and manipulation of single photons and entangled photon pairs;

2. single-photon detection, coincidence counting and correlation measurements;

3. Hong-Ou-Mandel interference and photon indistinguishability;

4. measurement and characterisation of photon entanglement, including Bell/CHSH tests;

5. quantum imaging and correlation-based imaging methods;

6. selected quantum information protocols, such as entanglement-based quantum key distribution, where appropriate.

The course will also involve guided reading of original research articles and discussion of how the ideas in these papers connect to current experimental practice.

Following the lectures, students will carry out a series of group-based practical investigations using lab-based and/or simulation-supported quantum optics experiments. These projects will develop skills in experimental design, data acquisition, coincidence analysis, uncertainty estimation, interpretation of quantum optical measurements and scientific reporting. Each group will normally complete a selection of the available experiments, depending on laboratory scheduling, equipment availability and project scope.

Lectures and guided reading will be used during the first 3 weeks of the course. Students will read selected original research articles, with time in lectures devoted to discussing the physics, experimental methods and interpretation of these papers.

Following the lectures, a series of physical-lab and virtual-lab experiments will be carried out during Weeks 4-9. These will investigate specific aspects of the technologies discussed in the lectures, including photon-pair generation, single-photon detection, coincidence counting, Hong-Ou-Mandel interference, entanglement measurement and implementations of selected quantum information protocols. The virtual lab component will support experiments and analysis that complement the physical laboratory work.

These will be group-based projects, aiming for around 3-4 students per group. Each group will complete a selection of the available investigations, depending on laboratory scheduling, virtual-lab access and project scope.

The final week will be allocated for project presentations or oral examination, to be marked by academic staff members. Students will also provide peer feedback.

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1) Continuous assessment based on physical- and virtual-laboratory exercises, weekly practical tasks, laboratory records, data analysis and short written submissions (50%).

2) Written reports on selected research papers and topics introduced through the lectures and practical work (25%).

3) End-of-course oral presentation and/or oral examination assessing understanding of the experimental work and underlying physics (25%). This will be marked by academic staff..

To provide students with an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the key physical principles underpinning widely used experimental techniques in quantum optics and quantum information.

Students will undertake practical physical-lab and virtual-lab investigations in areas such as:

1. generation of entangled photon pairs;

2. single-photon detection techniques and measurement of photon entanglement;

3. ghost imaging;

4. Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometry;

5. Bell/CHSH tests and quantum correlation measurements;

6.selected quantum information protocols, where appropriate.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. explain the basic components of a quantum optics experiment, including photon-pair

sources, single-photon detectors, coincidence counting and interferometric elements;

2. describe the operating principle of a single-photon avalanche diode and its role in quantum optics measurements;

3. explain the physical principles underlying Hong-Ou-Mandel interference and relate them to photon indistinguishability;

4. describe the operating principle of ghost imaging and compare implementations using

quantum and classical light sources;

5. analyse photon-correlation and coincidence data from physical-lab and/or virtual-lab

quantum optics experiments;

6. assess photon entanglement using at least one appropriate method, such as correlation

measurements, Bell/CHSH analysis or state tomography;

7. design, demonstrate or analyse a quantum optics setup involving entangled photon pairs,

single-photon detection, ghost imaging, Hong-Ou-Mandel interference or a selected quantum information protocol;

8. communicate experimental methods, data analysis and physical interpretation clearly in

written and oral form.