This book is an up-to-date introduction to the quantum theory of measurement, a fast developing field of intense current interest to scientists and engineers for its potential technology applications. Although the main principles of the field were elaborated in the 1930s by Bohr, Schrodinger, Heisenberg, von Neumann and Mandelstam, it was not until the 1980s that technology became sufficiently advanced to allow its application in real experiments. Quantum measurement is now central to many ultra-high technology developments, such as "squeezed light," single atom traps, and searches for gravitational radiation. It is also considered to have great promise for computer science and engineering, particularly for its applications in information processing and transfer. The book begins with a brief introduction to the relevant theory and goes on to discuss all aspects of the design of practical quantum measurement systems. This book is essential reading for all scientists and engineers interested in the potential applications of technology near the quantum limit.
