Light - The Physics of the Photon

From the early wave-particle arguments to the mathematical theory of electromagnetism and Einstein'¬"s description of the quantization of light, different descriptions of what constitutes light have existed for over 300 years. This work looks at the various models and physical and mathematical descriptions of light and its behavior and interaction with matter. Reviewing classical models, it progresses through quantum electrodynamics to cutting-edge quantum optics and differing photon states. The book covers both classical and quantum optics in free space, photon wave mechanics, light in quantum electrodynamics, virtual photons, and the photon measurement problem.