On the theory of polarization-dependent two-photon absorption

Quantum optical systems have become a testbed for answering fundamental questions about quantum theory. Those systems which deviate most from classical, or even semiclassical, ones are of most interest at present. Such systems invariably result from the interaction of an atom or molecule with more than one photon. The simplest; such multiphoton interaction is two-photon absorption by an atom. In this thesis, I develop a model of polarization-dependent two-photon absorption (PDTPA) as a generalization of the present scalar models of two-photon absorption. It is discovered, that the radiation field can have vastly different properties from that predicted in standard two-photon absorption models. These states are investigated for nonclassical properties. Properties such as squeezing of the radiation field, violations of Bell's inequalities, and photon antibunching are observed and demonstrated in specific examples.U of I OnlyETDs are only available to UIUC Users without author permissio