************************************ * QUANTUM OPTICS AND ATOM OPTICS * * IN AUSTRALASIA * * * * * * * * MONTHLY NEWSLETTER * * VOL X, NO 4 * * * CONTENTS: * April 2002 * * * 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 =============================================================================== Please note that the deadline for the fellowship at Griffith University closes in a week! Please send in abstracts of your new papers --- at the moment I'm hunting (rather inefficiently) through quant-ph ;) cheers, Alexei =============================================================================== 1. ABSTRACTS =============================================================================== Discrete teleportation protocol of continuum spectra field states M. C. de Oliveira and G. J. Milburn quant-ph/0204062, Phys. Rev. A 65, 032304 (2002) A discrete protocol for teleportation of superpositions of coherent states of optical cavity fields is presented. Displacement and parity operators are unconventionally used in Bell-like measurement for field states. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Phase estimation as a quantum nondemolition measurement B. C. Travaglione, G. J. Milburn and T. C. Ralph quant-ph/0203130 The phase estimation algorithm, which is at the heart of a variety of quantum algorithms, including Shor's factoring algorithm, allows a quantum computer to accurately determine an eigenvalue of an unitary operator. Quantum nondemolition measurements are a quantum mechanical procedure, used to overcome the standard quantum limit when measuring an observable. We show that the phase estimation algorithm, in both the discrete and continuous variable setting, can be viewed as a quantum nondemolition measurement. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Lorentz Invariance of Entanglement Paul M. Alsing and Gerard J. Milburn quant-ph/0203051 We study the transformation of maximally entangled states under the action of Lorentz transformations in a fully relativistic setting. By explicit calculation of the Wigner rotation, we describe the relativistic analog of the Bell states as viewed from two inertial frames moving with constant velocity with respect to each other. Though the finite dimensional matrices describing the Lorentz transformations are non-unitary, each single particle state of the entangled pair undergoes an effective, momentum dependent, local unitary rotation, thereby preserving the entanglement fidelity of the bipartite state. The details of how these unitary transformations are manifested are explicitly worked out for the Bell states comprised of massive spin 1/2 particles and massless photon polarizations. The relevance of this work to non-inertial frames is briefly discussed. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Continuous Variable Quantum Cryptography - beating the 3 dB loss limit Ch. Silberhorn, T. C. Ralph, N. Lutkenhaus and G. Leuchs quant-ph/0204064 We demonstrate that secure quantum key distribution systems based on continuous variables implementations can operate beyond the apparent 3 dB loss limit that is implied by the beam splitting attack . The loss limit was established for standard minimum uncertainty states such as coherent states. We show that by an appropriate postselection mechanism we can enter a region where Eve's knowledge falls behind the information shared between Alice and Bob even in the presence of substantial losses. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Entanglement and entropy engineering of atomic two-qubit states S.G. Clark, A.S. Parkins quant-ph/0203137 We propose a scheme employing quantum-reservoir engineering to controllably entangle the internal states of two atoms trapped in a high finesse optical cavity. Using laser and cavity fields to drive two separate Raman transitions between metastable atomic ground states, a system is realized corresponding to a pair of two-state atoms coupled collectively to a squeezed reservoir. Phase-sensitive reservoir correlations lead to entanglement between the atoms, and, via local unitary transformations and adjustment of the degree and purity of squeezing, one can prepare entangled mixed states with any allowed combination of linear entropy and entanglement of formation. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Motion-light parametric amplifier and entanglement distributor A. Peng, A.S. Parkins quant-ph/0203136 We propose a scheme for entangling the motional mode of a trapped atom with a propagating light field via a cavity-mediated parametric interaction. We then show that if this light field is subsequently coupled to a second distant atom via a cavity-mediated linear-mixing interaction, it is possible to transfer the entanglement from the light beam to the motional mode of the second atom to create an EPR-type entangled state of the positions and momenta of two distantly-separated atoms. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Continuous-variable quantum teleportation of entanglement Tyler J. Johnson, Stephen D. Bartlett, Barry C. Sanders quant-ph/0204011 Entangled coherent states can be used to determine the entanglement fidelity for a device that is designed to teleport coherent states. The average fidelity is shown to be a poor indicator of the capability of teleporting entanglement; i.e., very high average fidelity for the quantum teleportation apparatus can still result in low entanglement fidelity for one mode of the two-mode entangled coherent state. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Near-Optimal Two Mode Spin Squeezing via Feedback Dominic W. Berry, Barry C. Sanders quant-ph/0203081 We propose a feedback scheme for the production of two mode spin squeezing. We determine a general expression for the optimal feedback, which is also applicable to the case of single mode spin squeezing. The two mode spin squeezed states obtained via this feedback are optimal for j=1/2, and are very close to optimal for j>1/2. In addition, the master equation suggests a Hamiltonian that would produce two mode spin squeezing without feedback, and is analogous to the two-axis countertwisting Hamiltonian in the single mode case. =============================================================================== 2. VACANCIES =============================================================================== Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Theoretical Quantum Physics Centre for Quantum Dynamics Griffith University, AUSTRALIA Level: Research Fellow Grade 1 Term: Two Years, Full Time. Closing Date: 19 April 2002. (Late applications should be sent direct by email to H.Wiseman@gu.edu.au) Applications are invited for a Research Fellow Grade 1 in Theoretical Quantum Physics. The Fellow will work as part of the Centre for Quantum Dynamics. The position is funded by the project "Novel Aspects and Applications of Quantum Measurement Theory", which includes retrodiction, non-Markovian measurements, and the emergence of classical behaviour. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in quantum optics, quantum measurement theory, or a related area involving open quantum systems. The fellow will also have the freedom to pursue independent research, and to gain teaching experience if so desired. This is a two year fixed term, full time position available from July 2002. Application process: see http://www.gu.edu.au/jobs/ (search for "physics") Queries about the research project: 1. Dr. H.M. Wiseman (H.Wiseman@gu.edu.au) 2. Prof. D.T. Pegg (D.Pegg@sct.gu.edu.au) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Colleagues, Applications are invited, closing on 3rd of May, for a permanent Lecturership in Applied Mathematics at the University of Nottingham, UK, in the area of Quantum Information and Stochastic Modelling. More information and details for application can be found at the web page http://www.maths.nott.ac.uk/mpdiv/ For informal details you can contact Professor Viacheslav P Belavkin, Head of Mathematical Physics, School of Mathematical Sciences, Universty of Nottingham, NG7-2RD, UK Tel +44-115-9514954 (after 20-04-02), http://maths.nott.ac.uk/personal/vpb/ =============================================================================== 5. CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS =============================================================================== CLEO/QELS 2002: Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics/Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference 19 - 24 May 2002 Early registration: April 19, 2002 Long Beach, CA, USA http://www.osa.org/CLEO/ The Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO) is the key forum for the optical device technology development and systems engineering that are the foundation of the ongoing revolution in a wide range of applications. From optical fiber communications to medicine, these applications exploit the latest advances in lasers and electro-optics. Moreoever, the meeting will serve to stimulate the use of more mature technologies in new fields. From the latest research and development to the newest technology, components and systems, CLEO sets the pace for the industry and provides the definitive marketplace for laser and electro-optical equipment. The Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference (QELS) is the largest North American conference concerning research in lasers, nonlinear optics, and the fundamental laser spectroscopy of atoms and condensed matter. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 9th Central-European Workshop on Quantum Optics 3 - 6 May 2002 registration deadline: 25th March 2002. submission of abstracts by 4th March 2002 Szeged, Hungary http://www.u-szeged.hu/cewqo The workshop will be a forum of all aspects of quantum optics, including also matter waves, quantum informatics, and fundamentals of quantum mechanics. ------------------------------------------------------------------- NATO Advanced Study Institute on Quantum Information and Communication Technologies 3 - 14 June, 2002 Deadline for registration and payment: February 15, 2002 Ankara, Turkey http://www.fen.bilkent.edu.tr/~quantum The main objective of the meeting is to provide training and offer orientation to young scientists in the field of: * Quantum information technologies * Quantum communication systems, entanglement, encoding, cryptography * Generation and detection of non-classical light * Quantum measurements * Matter wave optics, Bose-Einstein condensation * Propagation of photons in fibers, heterostructures, photonic crystals, and mesoscopic systems ------------------------------------------------------------------- IQEC/LAT 2002: International Quantum Electronics Conference and International Conference on Lasers, Applications and Technologies 22-28 June 2002 Abstract and summary deadline 15 January 2002 Moscow, Russia http://www.ilc.msu.su/iqec2002/ The International Quantum Electronics Conference (IQEC) is the largest international conference featuring the fundamentals of quantum electronics, basic research in lasers, nonlinear and quantum optics, quantum information, and fundamental laser spectroscopy of atoms and condensed matter. IQEC 2002 is organized by the Russian Academy of Sciences and M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University under the aegis of the International Council on Quantum Electronics (ICQE). The Conference on Lasers, Applications, and Technologies (LAT) provides a forum for an update and review of a wide range of laser technologies and applications including laser device development, processing of advanced materials, optical information technologies, biomedicine and ecology applications. The meeting serves to stimulate the use of more mature optical technologies in different fields. LAT 2002 is organized by the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Industry, Science and Technology of the Russian Federation, and SPIE/Russia. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 2002 Australian Institute Of Physics Congress 8 - 11 July, 2002 Sydney, Australia http://www.aip.org.au/Congress2002/ ------------------------------------------------------------------- International Conference on Quantum Information 13th-18th July 2002 Deadline for abstract of contributed papers: March 15, 2002 Registration: May 31, 2002 Oviedo, Spain http://www.uniovi.es/Congresos/2001/QI/Welcome.html The main topics of the Conference will include * Quantum Information * Recent Theoretical and Experimental Progress in Quantum Information Processing * Quantum Computation * Conceptual Issues on the Foundations of Quantum Theory ------------------------------------------------------------------- QCM&C'02: Sixth International Conference on Quantum Communication, Measurement and Computing July 22-26, 2002 Deadline for papers: March 15, 2002 Pre-conference registration deadline is 5 July 2002 Massachusetts Institute of Technology http://rleweb.mit.edu/QCMC/ The previous meetings in this series, drew together researchers from many countries and covered topics in quantum information theory, theoretical and experimental aspects of quantum computing, quantum communication systems, cryptography, new quantum effects and their experimental realizations, generation detection and applications of nonclassical light, quantum noise, stochastic processes and filtering, and quantum measurement theory. These same topics will be covered at QCM&C'02. ------------------------------------------------------------------- AMO SUMMER SCHOOL 21 - 26 July, 2002 April 1: early registration deadline (save $ 70) May 19: deadline for submission of abstracts for poster sessions July 1: pre-conference registration deadline Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA A summer school will be held at MIT the week preceding the ICAP 2002 conference, July 21 to July 26, 2002. Its director is Dan Kleppner. It will be sponsored by the Center for Ultracold Atoms at MIT and Harvard. Lectures at the summer school will be at the level of the MIT graduate course in Atomic and Optical Physics. They will cover foundational topics such as atoms in electromagnetic fields, forces on atoms, resonance, spectroscopy, coherence, and collisions. The target audience is graduate students or postdocs starting research in atomic physics. ------------------------------------------------------------------- ICAP 2002: Eighteenth International Conference on Atomic Physics July 28 to August 2, 2002 Early Registration: April 1 Abstracts for posters: May 19 Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA http://cua.mit.edu/icap2002/ The meeting will feature invited talks and posters on the latest developments in Atomic Physics. Topics include atomic tests of fundamental theories, laser spectroscopy, laser cooling and trapping, Bose-Einstein condensation, quantum optics and coherence, atom optics, precision measurements, atomic clocks, atoms in intense laser fields, quantum control, quantum information, atomic structure and atomic collisions. ------------------------------------------------------------------- ISQCI 2002: International School on Quantum Computation and Information 2 - 7 September 2002 The application deadline is the 26th of April 2002 The number of participants to the School is limited to about 60. Lisbon, Portugal http://www.qubit.org/school2002/index.htm The objective of this school is to offer a pedagogic and fairly comprehensive introduction to the emerging field of Quantum Computation and Information, covering both the theoretical and the experimental sides. The school is aimed at those who are considering to start working in this field or at least would like to learn more about it. We therefore welcome applications not only from students, but also from researchers in other areas of physics, as well as mathematicians, computer scientists and engineering scientists. ------------------------------------------------------------------- DICE2002 Decoherence, Information, Complexity and Entropy 2 - 6 September, 2002 Piombino (Tuscany) To stimulate interdisciplinary discussion on fundamental interactions, cosmology, quantum theory, quantum information processing, nonlinear dynamics, and complex systems: http://omnis.if.ufrj.br/~thomas/DICEhp.html ------------------------------------------------------------------- 3rd European QIPC Workshop 15 - 18 September, 2002 Registration Deadline: Monday 5th August 2002 Dublin, Ireland http://www.quiprocone.org/Dublin/dublinworkshop.htm Limited spaces available, no registration fee. The purpose of the workshop is to promote interaction across the broad subject area of QIPC. Session chairs will begin with a short introductory review of their session's area to put in context the session contributions within the wider arena of QIPC. Talks from invited speakers will be accessible to a wide multi-disciplinary QIPC audience, which will include both theorists and experimentalists. ------------------------------------------------------------------- EuroConference on Quantum Atom Optics: From Quantum Science to Technology 21 - 26 September 2002 Applications by 15 May 2002 San Feliu de Guixols, Spain http://www.esf.org/esf_euresco_list.php?language=0&year=2002 Quantum Optics has proven to be a uniquely dynamic field in physics capable of taking up new ideas and developments. At the centre of Quantum Optics is the study of quantum phenomena and quantum processes, which are now becoming increasingly relevant for emerging technologies. The 2002 Quantum Optics conference will have its emphasis on the coherent manipulation of quantum systems and on the quantum physics of coherent matter, with high level contributions from leading research groups. Sessions will be devoted to topical subjects such as quantum atom optics, atom lasers, molecules and interactions, and quantum information processing. A key session will be on technologies emerging from Quantum Optics. ------------------------------------------------------------------- International Symposium "Quantum informatics-2002" - QI-2002 1-4 October , 2002 Near Zvenigorod (Moscow region), Russia First announcement and call for papers http://qc.ipt.ac.ru/English/QI-2002-eng.html QI -2002 - is the first in Russia symposium on new scientific area - quantum informatics. It is planned to talk about the theory of quantum computations and communications, the recent situation with its experimental realization and perspectives of this area.