| Citation | Steve Barnett is distinguished for his contributions to theoretical quantum optics and electrodynamics. He is well known for his solution, with David Pegg, of the long-standing problem of identification of the Hermitian operator that represents the phase of the electromagnetic field, now known as the Pegg-Barnett phase operator. He also developed the first formalism for the field quantization in dispersive and lossy dielectrics, with subsequent applications to the spontaneous emission by an embedded atom and the propagation of light through attenuating and amplifying media. His more recent work has produced fundamental advances in the development of strategies for the secure transfer and retrieval of quantum-optical information. |