Adiabatic Processes in Quantum Optics

This paper reviews the use of adiabatic approximations in quantum optics.The general principle is explained in terms of the Landau-Zener model and the recently developed stimulated Raman adiabatic passage scheme. The features characteristic of adiabatic evolution are extracted from these examples. Our recent work on adiabatic level preparation and cavity mode transfer of excitation is presented and discussed.