A pedagogical derivation of the first-order effective Hamiltonian for the two-mode Jaynes-Cummings model
Abstract
This work presents a pedagogical and self-contained derivation of the first-order effective Hamiltonian for the two-mode Jaynes-Cummings model in the dispersive regime. A perturbative unitary transformation removes nonresonant atom-field terms, revealing dispersive frequency shifts leading to an atom-induced effective beam-splitter interaction between the field modes. The resulting Hamiltonian is diagonalized through a simple geometric rotation in the two-mode bosonic space, providing a transparent interpretation of the underlying dynamics. The exposition emphasized clarity and physical insight, making effective Hamiltonian methods accessible for teaching and learning in multimode light-matter interactions.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Quantum optics and atomic interactions
Strong Light-Matter Interactions
Quantum Information and Cryptography
Publication details
- Journal / source
- arXiv (Cornell University)
- Publication date
- 23 January 2026
- Document type
- Preprint