This book is an introduction to the two closely related subjects of
quantum optics and quantum information. It gives a simple,
self-contained introduction to both subjects, while illustrating the
physical principles of quantum information processing using quantum
optical systems. Although much of the material used here can also be
found in other books, discussed at various depths, the particular
combination of the topics covered in this book is unique. Furthermore,
some aspects of quantum information, for example those pertaining to
recent experiments on cavity QED and quantum dots, are described here
for the first time in book form. For the benefit of a wider audience and
to make the subject matter of the book accessible to those with
backgrounds other than physics, the authors also include a brief review
of quantum mechanics.