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Detectors for the Quantized Electromagnetic Field

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Abstract

After a quick review of classical electromagnetism, the concept of the photon as the quantum of the electromagnetic field is introduced, followed by a discussion of the interaction of photons with matter. Specializing then to the case of visible and near-visible radiation, detectors which are capable of registering single quanta are described, showing the wide range of possibilities which are open to the interested experimenter. Advantages and disadvantages of each as well as practical suggestions are provided. Finally we take a look at relatively novel devices with bright futures.

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© 2003 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Swain, J. (2003). Detectors for the Quantized Electromagnetic Field. In: Popp, FA., Beloussov, L. (eds) Integrative Biophysics. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0373-4_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0373-4_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-90-481-6228-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-017-0373-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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