************************************ * QUANTUM OPTICS AND ATOM OPTICS * * IN AUSTRALASIA * * * * * * * * MONTHLY NEWSLETTER * * VOL VIII, NO 4 * * * * April 2000 * * * * ISSN 1325-6467 * * * Edited by: Bill Munro * \ | / * Physics, University of Queensland, * \__|__/ * QLD 4072, Australia. * | * email: billm@physics.uq.edu.au * | * phone: +61 7 3365 2422 * | * fax: +61 7 3365 1242 Available on WWW at: http://www.physics.uq.edu.au/people/billm/qo.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENTS 0. PROBLEMS 1. ABSTRACTS 2. CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS 3. WANTED TO BUY/SELL 4. SITUATIONS VACANT 5. MISC NEWS ******************************************************************************* 0. EDITORIAL NOTE Welcome to the April newsletter. ******************************************************************************* 1. ABSTRACTS TITLE: Cavity-enhanced parametric down-conversion as a source of correlated photons AUTHORS: P. Hariharan [1] and B. C. Sanders [2] ADDRESSES:[1] University of Sydney and [2] Macquarie University JOURNAL: Journal of Modern Optics STATUS: Accepted for publication ABSTRACT: The most common way of generating correlated photons is by parametric down-conversion in a nonlinear crystal in free space. However, a drawback of this technique is the extremely low photon flux available. We present a simple analysis which shows that cavity-enhanced parametric down-conversion, using an arrangement similar to an optical parametric oscillator and operated well below threshold, can yield a substantially higher photon flux without significantly degrading the correlation between photons. __________________________________________________________________ TITLE: Radiating dipoles in photonic crystals AUTHORS: Kurt Busch [1,2], Nipun Vats [1], Sajeev John [1], Barry C. Sanders [3] ADDRESSES: [1] University of Toronto, [2] Universit\"at Karlsruhe, [3] Macquarie University JOURNAL: Physical Review E STATUS: Submitted ABSTRACT: The radiation dynamics of a dipole antenna embedded in a Photonic Crystal are modeled by an initially excited harmonic oscillator coupled to a non-Markovian bath of harmonic oscillators representing the colored electromagnetic vacuum within the crystal. Realistic coupling constants based on the natural modes of the Photonic Crystal, i.e., Bloch waves and their associated dispersion relation, are derived. For simple model systems, well-known results such as decay times and emission spectra are reproduced. This approach enables direct incorporation of realistic band structure computations into studies of radiative emission from atoms and molecules within photonic crystals. We therefore provide a predictive and interpretative tool for experiments in both the microwave and optical regimes. ___________________________________________________________________ TITLE: Disagreement between correlations of quantum mechanics and stochastic electrodynamics in the damped parametric oscillator AUTHORS: D. T. Pope, P. D. Drummond & W. J. Munro ADDRESSES: Centre for Laser Science and Department of Physics, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Queensland, Australia JOURNAL: Physical Review A STATUS: Accepted ABSTRACT: Intracavity and external third order correlations in the damped nondegenerate parametric oscillator are calculated for quantum mechanics and stochastic electrodynamics (SED), a semiclassical theory. The two theories yield greatly different results, with the correlations of quantum mechanics being cubic in the system's nonlinear coupling constant and those of SED being linear in the same constant. In particular, differences between the two theories are present in at least a mesoscopic regime. They also exist when realistic damping is included. Such differences illustrate distinctions between quantum mechanics and a hidden variable theory for continuous variables. ******************************************************************************* 2. CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS Garda 2000: Mysteries, Puzzles and Paradoxes in Quantum Mechanics this is to provide you with the web address of the Workshop "Mysteries, Puzzles and Paradoxes in Quantum Mechanics" http://webcesid.fisica.unimi.it/~congressi/ where you can find application form and details. ___________________________________________________________________ OFS 2000 The fourteenth International Conference on Optical Fiber Sensors (OFS 2000) will be held 11-13 October 2000, at the Giorgio Cini Foundation, on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy. Closing date for submissions is 15 April 2000. Papers are solicited on the following topics: - physical and mechanical sensors - sensors for electromagnetic phenomena - chemical, environmental, biochemical and medical sensors - fiber optic gyroscopes - interferometry and polarimetry - multiplexing and sensor networking - distributed sensing - sensing for optical fiber communication - passive and active devices for photonic sensing - system applications and field tests - new concepts for photonic sensing Anna Grazia Mignani Hervé C. Lefèvre OFS 2000 General Chair OFS 2000 Technical Program Chair Website: http://www.area.fi.cnr.it/ofs2000 ***************************************************************************** 4. SITUATIONS VACANT POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND PHD SCHOLARSHIPS Centre For Quantum Computer Technology , Australia (Academic) The Australian Centre for Quantum Computer (see article in PHYSICS WORLD, January 2000 p.9) undertakes research on the physics and technology of building, at the atomic level, a solid state quantum computer in silicon. Established in January 2000 through funds from the Australian Research Council and participating institutions, the Centre has nodes at the University of New South Wales, University of Queensland and University of Melbourne, and maintains a substantive collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory (USA). The Centre encompasses major research infrastructure including an extensive semiconductor nanofabrication facility, ion implantation, crystal growth, surface analysis and laser physics. 6 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE (PDRA) POSITIONS - Fixed Term 2-3 years. PDRA - SCANNING TUNNELING MICROSCOPY (Located at UNSW) We seek an experienced PDRA with a strong background in UHV STM. Knowledge of the atomic imaging of silicon surfaces and in particular STM lithography is highly desirable. PDRA - SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY (Located at Univ.of Melbourne) We seek a motivated individual with a strong background in scanning probe microscopy and AFM for atomic scale imaging. UHV surface science experience will be highly regarded. PDRA - SILICON MOLECULAR BEAM EPITAXIAL GROWTH (Located at UNSW) We seek a recent physics/engineering PhD or PDRA with a background in semiconductor crystal growth. Experience is desirable in one or more of: UHv, MBE in Si and/or GaAs. PDRA - SEMICONDUCTOR NANOFABRICATION & MEASUREMENT (Located at UNSW) We seek a recent physics/engineering PhD with a background in nanostructure fabrication and measurement. Experience in EBL and/or single electron transistors is highly desirable. PDRA - ION IMPLANTATION (Located at Univ of Melbourne) We seek a motivated individual with experience in high energy (MeV) and low energy (keV) ion implantation doping. Experience in single ion machining & FIB technology is desirable. PDRA - QUANTUM COMPUTAION THEORY (Located at Univ. of Melbourne) We seek a motivated individual to work closely with experimentalists on theory underpinning solid state quantum computation. Areas include: decoherence and error correction, quantum information theory, mesoscopic physics, NMR quantum computing and quantum algorithms. PHD SCHOLARSHIPS 7 Positions - 3 at UNSW; 2 at Univ. Queensland; 2 at Univ. Melbourne Scholarships covering both University fees and living expenses are available for Australian and International candidates. Further details can be found at the website listed below. Closing date for PDRA's: 30 April 2000 Closing date for PhDs: Until Filled. Contact details :For salary levels, position descriptions, selection criteria and application procedure, see our web-site; www.snf.unsw.edu.au or email. Centre Secretariat: email renata.jones@unsw.edu.au _______________________________________________________________________ Full Professor Position in Vienna At the Institute for Experimental Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Vienna, there is an opening for a Professor of Computational Physics We look for a candidate with excellent scientific record in a field which emphasizes the great variety of methods and applica- tions of Computational Physics at the Faculty of Sciences. The candidate will have to do research and teaching in the field, and will have to participate in the education of students majoring in Computational Physics. The candidate should have a "Habilitation" or be equivalently qualified, plus teaching experience, management abilities, and a successful record in international research. Further information about the institute can be found at http://www.exp.univie.ac.at Applications should contain a curriculum vitae, a professional/scientific curriculum, a publication list plus re- prints of the 5 most important papers, as well as a description of teaching experience and current research projects. They should be received at the Dekanat der Naturwissenschaftlich- Mathematischen Fakultat der Universitat Wien, Dr. Karl Luegerring 1, A-1010 Wien no later than April 15 2000. Female scientists are particularly encouraged to apply and will be given preference in case of equal qualification. ________________________________________________________________________ POSITIONS VACANT Physicist / Engineer: Polartechnics Ltd is an Australian public company engaged in the development of medical products for the early diagnosis of cancer. As a result of continued company growth a vacancy exists for a Physicist or Engineer to assist with ongoing Research and Product Development. This position encompasses activities ranging from the theoretical, including modeling of the propagation of light through various body tissues to the practical, including development of designs, manufacturing methods and calibration procedures for the optical and electronic sub-assemblies used in our instruments. Experience in some or all of the following areas would be an advantage: optical propagation through inhomogeneous media, design and manufacture of optoelectronic components, electronics, spectroscopy, medical physics, electrical impedance measurements of tissue, thin film technology, image capture and analysis, optical fibre technology, software development. Postgraduate qualifications in physics or relevant engineering subjects would be highly regarded. Salary will be negotiated according to qualifications and experience. Refer to our web site for company details: www.polartechnics.com.au Applications for this position should be addressed to the Operations Manager, Polartechnics Ltd, 140 William Street Sydney 2011 Faxed to: 9368 1070 e-mailed to: polartechnics@polartechnics.com.au OPTICS CONSULTANT: We are seeking a consultant with expertise in ray tracing to assist with the development of an optical sensor used in the detection of cervical cancer.Ê The specific task is to investigate the effects on the optical performance of the detection head of intentional and inadvertent variations in the manufacturing processes employed. This could include variations in the alignment of optical emitters and detectors, differences in the surface reflectances of adjacent components, changes in dimensions caused by thermal expansion and distortion during normal use or during long-term storage. Details about this consultancy can be obtained from David Ginpil at (02) 8356 3125 or by e-mail on: polartechnics@polartechnics.com.au __________________________________________________________________ TWO post-doc positions at University of New Mexico One postdoc will work in the research group of Prof. Ivan Deutsch on physical implementations of quantum information processing in atomic/molecular/optical systems. The other postdoc will work in the research group of Prof. Carlton Caves on fundamental questions in quantum information processing. Application deadline May 1, 2000. Info: . Contact: . *A postdoctoral position in Quantum Computation and Control will be available starting October 2000 in the chemical physics theory group at the University of Toronto. Applications should be sent to Dr. Daniel Lidar, . * Experimental Quantum Optics post-doc at Dept. of Physics, UC Berkeley with Prof. Raymond Chiao . They need an experimentalist to participate in our investigations on the nonlinear Fabry-Perot and optical vortices. * Graduate and undergraduate research opportunities in Computer Science and Physics at the University of New Mexico with Prof. Cris Moore . Subject areas include: quantum computation, phase transitions in combinatorial problems, Monte Carlo methods in statistical physics, hardness results and fast algorithms for cellular automata, analog computation and dynamical systems ___________________________________________________________ ****************************************************************************** 5. MISC NEWS