  We present a theoretical framework that describes a wave packet of light
prepared in a state of definite photon number interacting with an arbitrary
quantum system (e.g. a quantum harmonic oscillator or a multi-level atom).
Within this framework we derive master equations for the system as well as for
output field quantities such as quadratures and photon flux. These results are
then generalized to wave packets with arbitrary spectral distribution
functions. Finally, we obtain master equations and output field quantities for
systems interacting with wave packets in multiple spatial and/or polarization
modes.
