************************************ * QUANTUM OPTICS AND ATOM OPTICS * * IN AUSTRALASIA * * * * * * * * MONTHLY NEWSLETTER * * VOL XI, NO 1 * * * CONTENTS: * January 2003 * * * 0. EDITORIAL NOTE * ISSN 1325-6467 * Edited by: 1. ABSTRACTS * * Alexei Gilchrist 2. VACANCIES * \ | / * Physics, University of Queensland, 3. BUY/SELL * \__|__/ * QLD 4072, Australia. 4. MISC NEWS * | * email: alexei@physics.uq.edu.au 5. CONFERENCES * | * phone: +61 7 3365 2422 * | * fax: +61 7 3365 1242 Available on WWW at: * * http://www.physics.uq.edu.au/qonews =============================================================================== 0. EDITORIAL NOTE =============================================================================== Cheers for a new year! Please note the deadlines for the two vacancies. Alexei =============================================================================== 1. ABSTRACTS =============================================================================== Efficient sharing of a continuous-variable quantum secret Tomas Tyc, David J. Rowe, Barry C. Sanders quant-ph/0301028 We propose an efficient scheme for sharing a continuous variable quantum secret using passive optical interferometry and squeezers: this efficiency is achieved by showing that a maximum of two squeezers is required to replicate the secret state, and we obtain the cheapest configuration in terms of total squeezing cost. Squeezing is a cost for the dealer of the secret as well as for the receivers, and we quantify limitations to the fidelity of the replicated secret state in terms of the squeezing employed by the dealer. =============================================================================== 2. VACANCIES =============================================================================== Research Position: Linear Optics Quantum Computation Closing date for applications: 14 Febrary 2002 The Quantum Information Processing Group in Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, Bristol, UK, are seeking applicants for a two-year fixed term appointment, working on the theory of linear optics quantum computation, which is supported through the European Commission project RAMBOQ (IST-2001-38864). Ultimately the project seeks to develop the technologies supporting elementary scalable quantum processors and robust optical links between separated quantum processors. It aims to do this by developing novel schemes for efficient quantum computation using conditional linear logic. A background in quantum computing and/or quantum optics is desirable. Requests for further information or applications (CV plus other relevant material) should be sent to Bill Munro (bill.munro@hp.com). Proposed start of appointment: During first half of 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------- LECTURER IN PHOTONICS Level B, Fixed Term Australian National University Closing Date: 3 February 2003 The Australian National University has introduced a new teaching program in guided wave photonics, with degrees both in physics and in engineering. The program is a joint venture between the Department of Physics, the Department of Engineering and the Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering. We seek to appoint a suitably qualified, enthusiastic, full-time Lecturer in photonics early in 2003. The appointee will be based in the Department of Physics and will be part of a team of lecturers and researchers contributing to the program. The appointee will be responsible, together with other existing staff members, for the development and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate classes, the operation of our new, well-funded photonics teaching laboratory and participation in local outreach activities. This program will take into account the needs and opportunities of the Australian photonics industry. We are looking for applicants with an ability to teach and communicate with students and a good track record in photonics research, fundamental or applied. Appointment will be at the Academic Level B for a period of five years within the salary range $53,640 – $63,287 per annum plus 17% employer superannuation contributions. Enquiries: Dr Aidan P. Byrne, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, telephone (02) 6125 2818, email Aidan.Byrne@anu.edu.au. Further particulars including selection documentation should be obtained before applying by contacting the Staffing Recruitment Officer; telephone (02) 6125 5969; fax (02) 6125 5011 or email jobs@anu.edu.au or website http://www.anu.edu.au/hr/jobs/fs1481.pdf Reference No: FS 1481 =============================================================================== 5. CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS =============================================================================== FRISNO-7: French-Israeli Symposium on Nonlinear and Quantum Optics February 16-21, 2003 deadline for submission of abstracts is November 1, 2002 Les Houches, France http://www.weizmann.ac.il/frisno/ The series of FRISNO symposia has been going on for over a decade, bringing together a scientific community dedicated to Nonlinear and Quantum Optics from Israel, France, the rest of Europe, the US, Japan, and Russia. Keeping up with the tradition, this upcoming meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to renew old connections and form new ones. We sincerely hope you will be joining us in Les Houches next February, to present your latest results, and make contact with the other participants. ------------------------------------------------------------------- BECQI'03 - Workshop on Bose-Einstein Condensation and Quantum Information 16-20 February 2003 Abstract submission: 6 January 2003 Registration: 15 January 2003 Caloundra, Sunshine Coast, Australia http://www.physics.uq.edu.au/BECQI/ The workshop will cover hot topics in BEC and Quantum Information, from both theory and experiment. A particular focus will be on quantum aspects of matter waves and macroscopic quantum states, going beyond the methods and predictions of mean-field theory. This will include advances in analytical and computational methods, the latest experimental results probing the quantum nature of BECs, and applications of BEC to quantum information. NB The number of participants will be limited to 55-65. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Obergurgl Meeting: Quantum optics 23 February-1 March 2003 Deadline: 1 December, 2002 Obergurgl, Austria. http://th-physik.uibk.ac.at/qo/obergurgl/ This meeting will cover different aspects of Quantum Optics. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 3rd ESF meeting - Quantum Information Theory and Quantum Computing 15th-22nd March 2003 registration deadline: 24th December 2002 Ettore Majorana Center in Erice, Italy. http://www.lsr.ph.ic.ac.uk/~plenio/erice2003/erice2003c.html The meeting follows earlier successful programme meetings held in Cambridge in 1999 and Gdansk in 2001 and will focus on "Advances in quantum information processing: from theory to experiments". ------------------------------------------------------------------- GRC conference on Quantum Information Science March 23-28, 2003 Ventura, California. http://www.grc.org/programs/2003/quantinf.htm Quantum Information Science will be a yearly conference focusing on the rapidly growing field of Quantum Information Processing. The primary focus of the conference will be on physical and theoretical aspects that arise in implementation of quantum information processing for computation or communication. The conference will bring together researchers from the diverse fields of physics, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering, with the common interest of increasing our understanding of how to formulate, manipulate, and process information using physical systems that operate on quantum mechanical principles. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Fluctuations and Noise 2003 1-4 June 2003 Abstract Due: 25 November 2002 Santa Fe, New Mexico USA http://spie.org/Conferences/Calls/03/fn/ Containing six parallel conferences: * Fluctuations and Noise in Biological, Biophysical, and Biomedical Systems * Fluctuations and Noise in Photonics and Quantum Optics * Noise as a Tool for Studying Materials * Noise in Devices and Circuits * Noise in Complex Systems and Stochastic Dynamics * Noise and Information in Nano-electronics, Sensors, and Standards ------------------------------------------------------------------- 8th International Conference on Squeezed States and Uncertainty Relations 9-13 June, 2003 Puebla, Mexico http://www-optica.inaoep.mx/ICSSUR/8th.html The program of the Conference will reflect the continuing importance of fundamental quantum physics and the increasing importance of applications in the domain of quantum optics. Contributed experimental and theoretical papers in all of these topics are solicited: o Squeezed states and uncertainty relations o Quantum-state generation and characterization o Phase space and group representations in quantum physics o Quantum transforms in signal analysis and quantum physics o Quantum interference and entanglement o Quantum-like and mesoscopic systems o Foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum optics o Trapped atoms and degenerate gases o Quantum chaos and quantum control o Quantum information and communication o Quantum computing ------------------------------------------------------------------- Benasque Center for Science - Quantum Information 22nd June - 11th July 2003 Deadline for applications is March 15. Barcelona, Spain http://sophia.ecm.ub.es/2003qi/2003qi.htm A three-week Benassque session will be devoted to recent progress in Quantum Information and Communication. Special topics that will be covered during the meeting are: * Theory of Quantum Information,Entanglement, Quantum Algorithms,... QCD * Experiments in Quantum Information, Trapped ions, photons, NMR, Superconducting currents, quantum dots, ------------------------------------------------------------------- Les Houches Summer School on 'Quantum entanglement and information processing' 30 June - 25 July, 2003. Registration deadline: March 7, 2003 Les Houches, France. http://www-houches.ujf-grenoble.fr/index-en.html The recent discovery that the laws of quantum physics could be used for efficient information processing or transmission led to a considerable upsurge of interest in developing a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics, and in fabricating genuine quantum processors. This new field gathers around common objectives various communities, such as theoretical physics, quantum optics or solid state physics. On the theoretical side, the major advances concern quantum algorithms and quantum error correction codes. On the experimental side, significant advances have been realized in quantum optics, solid state physics and nuclear magnetic resonance. In particular, quantum logic gates have been demonstrated, and small-size quantum algorithms have been operated. This school aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the theoretical and experimental aspects of quantum entanglement and information processing. It is opened to young researchers interested in learning the essentials of this new field. Introductory lectures will provide them with a common background, while more specialized lectures and seminars will give an up to date panorama. ------------------------------------------------------------------- ICOLS 03: 16th International Conference on Laser Spectroscopy 13-18 July 2003 Preregistration: 13 December 2002 Earlybird registration and abstracts: 7 April 2003 Palm Cove, AUSTRALIA http://www.swin.edu.au/rescentres/soll/icols03/icols.html Following the tradition of ICOLS conferences, the program will consist of single sessions of invited talks and posters covering the latest developments in Laser Spectroscopy and related topics. Scheduling will allow significant time for informal discussions. The number of participants will be limited to about 250-300. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 4th European QIPC Workshop 13th - 18th July 2003 Submission deadline: 04 April 2003 Oxford, UK http://www.quiprocone.org/4th_Keble.htm The purpose of the workshop is to promote interaction across the broad subject area of QIPC and follows previous meetings in Potsdam, ISI Torino and Trinity College Dublin. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 48th SPIE Meeting: Quantum Communications and Quantum Imaging (AM112) 3-8 August 2003 Abstract Due: 6 January 2003 Manuscript Due: 7 July 2003 http://spie.org/Conferences/Calls/03/am/conferences/index.cfm?fuseaction=AM112 Quantum communications and quantum imaging are emerging technologies that promise great benefits as well as great challenges. The objective of this conference is to provide a forum for researchers and system developers in both fields and encourage technology exchange between the quantum communication and quantum imaging communities. ------------------------------------------------------------------- IWQDQC: The 2nd International Workshop on Quantum Dots for Quantum Computing 7-9 August, 2003 Deadline for abstracts: 15 March 2003 Early registration: 1 July, 2003 University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA http://www.nd.edu/%7Eiwqdqc/index.html The workshop is intended to be an international forum for discussions on the current trends and future directions of research in quantum dots and solid-state implementations for quantum computing. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Quantum Optics - EuroConference on Cavity QED and Quantum Fluctuations: From Fundamental Concepts to Nano-Technology 27 September - 02 October 2003 Applications by 26 May 2003 Granada, Spain http://www.esf.org/euresco/03/pc03005 Quantum Optics is a very active and fast evolving field in physics with at its core the understanding and control of quantum systems. The objective of the Quantum Optics Euroconferences is to bring together the leading groups in the field with the emphasis on combining knowledge and technology of different subfields and identifying new promising directions. The 2003 Quantum Optics conference will focus on cavity quantum electrodynamics and quantum fluctuations, covering a broad range of topics from fundamental concepts of quantum optics to technological developments. Sessions will be devoted to cavity QED, Casimir forces and their impact in nanostructures, quantum information and decoherence phenomena, coherent atomic sources and BEC in atom chips and wave guides. In close connection with these topics a session will address the new emerging field of nano-optics.