The Quantum Theory of the Laser: Reviews and Previews
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We first review the quantum theory of the laser problem as it was presented at the watershed 1965 Physics of Quantum Electronics (PQE) conference at which the full: density matrix analysis of the Yale group and the quantum noise operator analysis of the Bell Labs group were given. Then we will attempt to place the problem in context by making contact with the pioneering theoretical contributions from the schools of, for example, Glauber, Haken, Townes, and others. Finally the present interest in Bose Einstein condensation (a.k.a. the atom laser) provides a source of fascinating quantum-laser related physics problems. 2007 Optical Society of America.