************************************ * QUANTUM OPTICS AND ATOM OPTICS * * IN AUSTRALASIA * * * * * * * * MONTHLY NEWSLETTER * * VOL XI, NO 5 * * * CONTENTS: * May 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 =============================================================================== Appologies for the missed month. Please note that the postdoctoral positions in Tokyo close on 31st May. Cheers, Alexei =============================================================================== 1. ABSTRACTS =============================================================================== Photonic principle squeezing and atomic spin squeezing Xiaoguang Wang, Barry C. Sanders quant-ph/0305066 We study the photonic principle quadrature squeezing and atomic spin squeezing, and demonstrate that the latter reduces to the former in the limit of a large number of atoms for even and odd states. We exemplify this reduction by treating the even and odd spin coherent states, for which analytical solutions are readily obtained, and prove that even spin coherent states always exhibit spin squeezing, whereas odd spin coherent states do not, analogous to the squeezing characteristic of even and odd photonic coherent states. Finally, we examine the squeezing transfer between photons and atoms via the Dicke Hamiltonian, where a perfect transfer of squeezing is demonstrated in the limit of a large number of atoms. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Bounds on Entropy Dominic W. Berry, Barry C. Sanders quant-ph/0305059 We demonstrate how to estimate one type of entropy given the value of another. We discuss generalized forms of entropy, and show how to determine the maximum and minimum possible values of one type of entropy when the value of another type of entropy is given. As examples, this result may be applied to the von Neumann entropy, the linear entropy and the alpha entropy. This result is important because it enables the von Neumann entropy to be estimated from the linear entropy or the alpha entropy and can be applied to estimating other entropy measures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A non-Markovian stochastic Schr\"odinger equation developed from a hidden variable interpretation Jay Gambetta, H.M. Wiseman quant-ph/0305047 Do non-Markovian diffusive stochastic Schr\"odinger equations (SSEs) for open quantum systems have a physical interpretation? In a recent paper we investigated this question using the orthodox interpretation of quantum mechanics [phys. Rev. A {\bf 66}, 012108 (2002)] . We found that the solution of a non-Markovian SSE at time $t$ represents the state the system would be in at that time if a measurement was performed on the environment at that time, and yielded a particular result. However, the linking of solutions at different times to make a trajectory is, we concluded, a fiction. In this paper we show that such trajectories {\em can} be interpreted using a non-standard interpretation of quantum mechanics, namely hidden variables theory. The simplest example is a non-Markovian SSE, which we call a position unraveling, which results from a description of the bath using Bohmian mechanics. We find that the noise function $z(t)$ appearing in the non-Markovian SSE can be interpreted as a weighted sum of trajectories for the positions of the bath modes. The solution of the non-Markovian SSE is the state of the system `conditioned' on values of the bath positions. It also determines the guiding wave for these positions. We also discuss previously used unravelings which have the Markovian limits of homodyne and heterodyne detection. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Creation of maximally entangled photon number states using optical fibre multiports G. J. Pryde, A. G. White quant-ph/0304135 We theoretically demonstrate a method for producing the maximally path-entangled state (1/Sqrt[2]) (|N,0> + exp[iN phi] |0,N>) using intensity-symmetric multiport beamsplitters, single photon inputs, and either photon-counting postselection or conditional measurement. The use of postselection enables successful implementation with non-unit efficiency detectors. We also demonstrate how to make the same state more conveniently by replacing one of the single photon inputs by a coherent state. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spin squeezing criterion with local unitary invariance A. R. Usha Devi, Xiaoguang Wang, Barry C Sanders quant-ph/0304051 We propose a new spin squeezing criterion for arbitrary multi-qubit states that is invariant under local unitary operations. We find that, for arbitrary pure two-qubit states, spin squeezing is equivalent to entanglement, and multi-qubit states are entangled if this new spin squeezing parameter is less than 1. =============================================================================== 2. VACANCIES =============================================================================== Postdoctoral Positions in Quantum Information Science The group of quantum information processing at the National Institute of Informatics (NII) in Tokyo invites applications for two postdoctoral research positions in the area of quantum information science. Candidates could start as early as 1st July 2003, but the position will remain open until appropriate candidates are found. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in physics or related fields and an excellent research track record with a strong background in condensed matter physics theory or quantum optics/information/computation. The postdoctoral appointments are initially for two years and may be renewed for another two years. The positions are in the new group of quantum information processing at NII and the successful candidates will be based at NII in Tokyo with a collaboration with the experimental group at Stanford University in the US. Current staff members of the group include Yoshihisa Yamamoto, Keiji Matsumoto, and Kae Nemoto. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a curriculum vitae (including a full list of publications and a research statement) and the names and contact details (including an email address) of three referees by 31st May 2003, though applications after the deadline will also be considered until the positions are filled. Applications should be sent to Kae Nemoto by email to nemoto@informatics.bangor.ac.uk. For further information, contact us at the email address. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAIR IN QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE Department of Physics,Macquarie University, Australia Closing date: 30 Jun 2003 http://www.ics.mq.edu.au/jobs/19559/ Ref. 19559 The Division of Information and Communication Sciences comprises Departments of Mathematics, Physics, Computing and Electronics, and has a record of outstanding interdisciplinary research and teaching. The Department of Physics is host to the Quantum Algorithms program of the Australian Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Technology (Director, Professor R. Clark), which draws on research strengths in both Physics and Computing. The Division seeks to appoint an outstanding candidate to lead the Quantum Algorithms program. Responsibilities include managing the program, collaborating with other researchers in the Centre, providing strong leadership in quantum information science, supervising postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows and associates, and developing and teaching a high-level undergraduate subject in quantum information science and in related areas. Essential Criteria: PhD or equivalent in an area of physics, mathematics or computer science; international reputation and evidence of leadership in quantum information science or allied discipline; excellent record of scholarly publishing; successful record of attracting research funding; record of successful supervision of postgraduate research students; excellent communication skills; capacity to inspire a broader research effort in allied research groups; and demonstrated successful management of an extensive research program. Enquiries: Professor Barry Sanders, Head of Department on phone +61 2 9850 8935 or e-mail barry@physics.mq.edu.au Information Package: http://www.ics.mq.edu.au/jobs or Sallie Karachony on phone +61 2 9850 8912 or fax +61 2 9850 8115 or e-mail skarachony@ics.mq.edu.au Selection criteria must be addressed in the application. The position is available on a full-time (fixed-term) basis for a period of five years with the possibility of further appointment subject to funding and performance. Salary Range: Level E (Professor) - A$118,894 to A$124,571 pa including base salary A$100,467 to A$105,264 pa, annual leave loading and 17% employer's superannuation. Applications must quote the reference number and include curriculum vitae, teaching experience and achievements, list of refereed or invited publications and externally funded research grants, visa status, and the names, addresses, facsimile numbers and e-mail addresses (if available) of three referees. Applications should be forwarded to the Recruitment Manager, Workplace Relations and Services, Macquarie University, NSW 2109 by 30 June 2003. Applications will not be acknowledged unless specifically requested. =============================================================================== 4. MISC NEWS =============================================================================== We are pleased to call your attention to the publication of the following book: Principles and Applications of Quantum Control by Moshe Shapiro and Paul Brumer The publisher's description of the book reads as follows: Over the past fifteen years, significant developments have been made in utilizing quantum attributes of light and matter to assume unprecedented control over the dynamics of atomic and molecular systems. This growth reflects a confluence of factors including the maturation of quantum mechanics as a tool for chemistry and physics, the development of new laser devices increasing our ability to manipulate light, and the recognition that coherent laser light can be used to imprint information on atoms and molecules for practical purposes. Principles of the Quantum Control of Molecular Processes offers a systematic introduction to the fundamental principles of coherent control, and to the physics and chemistry necessary to master it. Designed as both a resource for self-study and as a graduate textbook, this survey of the subject provides a step-by-step discussion of light-matter interactions along with coverage of such essential topics as: Molecular dynamics and control The dynamics and control of photodissociation Altering bimolecular collision processes The control of chirality and asymmetric synthesis Application of control using moderate and strong fields Tuning system and laser parameters to achieve optimal control Decoherence and its suppression The book may be ordered from the publisher John Wiley and Sons as ISBN 0-471-24184-9 =============================================================================== 5. CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS =============================================================================== deadline for application is April 1, 2003 Stony Brook http://insti.physics.sunysb.edu/itp/conf/simons-qcomputation.html The goal of this conference is to generate interaction between mathematicians, computer scientists and physicists trying to build quantum computers. We will stimulate this interaction with lectures on recent developments by world-experts. We shall have lectures on quantum algorithms, quantum information theory, cryptography, entanglement and quantum error correcting codes [ we shall have a special lecture on modular functors]. We shall organize lectures on recent developments in Fractional Quantum Hall Effect, Josephson-junction, QED cavities, ion trapes and quantum optical systems. The conference will also cover reversible information processing, which is of interest in classical as well as in quantum computing. The reversible nature of the quantum evolution of isolated systems makes logical reversibility on the classical level a prerequisite for any realization of a quantum computer. Reversible computing does not generate the heat associated with information erasure, and is therefore of interest in reducing the heat produced by classical computers. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Quantum chaos: theory and applications 17-22 June 2003 Villa Olmo, Como, Italy http://www.unico.it/%7Ecomo03 The term Quantum Chaos originally designated the study of the dynamical behaviour of quantum systems, whose classical limit displays chaotic behaviour. While the main theoretical problem underlying this definition was clear-is there chaos in the microscopic motions-its practical relevance was more questionable, and open to challenge. In this spirit, the first international conference on this topic was organized by Giulio Casati and Joseph Ford in Como in 1983. This conference gave the impetus for the development of a new theory that-in the words of one of the founders, Boris Chirikov-has become a paradigm of physics. The theory is now crucial to explain countless phenomena, and related applications, in the physics of atomic, solid-state, mesoscopic, disordered, almost-periodic, photonic, ... systems. In this rapidly developing field, where the number of researchers, and of publications, has increased geometrically, a new top level conference, 20 years after Como 1983, is crucial in at least three respects. Firstly, by gathering most of the founders of the field, in the occasion of the sixtieth birthday of Giulio Casati, it will assess the state of the art in an authoritative and unprecedented way. Secondly, the Conference will try to set the goals of the new frontiers of quantum chaos: the dynamics of complex systems, the feasibility of quantum computing, the development of new photonic devices, and so on. World-leading experts will bring to light the seeds of the new perspectives. Hence the third main goal of this conference will follow: bring this information to the widest possible audience: in particular, to the planned large percentage of young researchers admitted to the meeting, for whom special initiatives are planned. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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: 28 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 - 17th July 2003 Submission deadline: 04 April 2003 Oxford, UK http://www.quiprocone.org/Oxford/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. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Asia-Pacific Workshop on Quantum Information Science 21st- 25th July 2003 Registration: 15 April 2003 Abstracts: 30 April 2003 Full Text: 31 May 03 Singapore http://www.physics.nus.edu.sg/%7Equantum/workshop/ Quantum Information Science is a fascinating interdisciplinary area that continues to capture the interest of physicists, mathematicians, chemists, engineers and computer scientists in recent years. In April 2001, we successfully organized a small scale international pedagogical workshop on the subject. Since then, there has been immense progress in this field. We have therefore decided to organise the Second Asia-Pacific Workshop on Quantum Information Science 2003 which will be held at the National University of Singapore from July 21, 2003 to 25 July, 2003. As in the previous workshop, the invited speakers will be delivering pedagogical talks on their areas of expertise and we will also be organising a special session for participants to share their findings through short oral presentations and poster exhibitions. Objectives: * To provide good pedagogical and introductory courses for researchers and graduate students who would like to learn about quantum information science * To promote exchanges of scientific knowledge in the field * To strengthen the ties among the scientists of the region who work in this area ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------- EQUIS03: ERATO Conference on Quantum Information Science 3rd - 6th September 2003 Submission Deadline: July 15, 2003 Early Registration Deadline: August 9, 2003 Kyoto, Japan http://www.qci.jst.go.jp/eqis03/ The EQIS meetings are to focus on quantum information science and technology, a new interdisciplinary field bridging computer science, quantum physics, mathematics, optics- and nano-technologies. EQIS'03 will be the thrid conference in a series and is to concentrate on theoretical and also experimental aspects of quantum information science. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 304th Heraeus-Seminar "Elementary Quantum Processors" 13th - 15th October 2003 Registration: August 31, 2003 Bad Honnef, Germany http://www.weh304.de/ Concepts for the implementation of elementary quantum processors abound in many areas of physics, including quantum optics, quantum dot physics, spin electronics, superconducting devices, and more. At the Physikzentrum leading researchers will survey the state of art in engineering elementary quantum logic devices. Intense scientific communication about this exciting topic is warranted. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Solid State Quantum Information Processing 15-18 December 2003 Registration: October 29, 2003 Amsterdam Renaissance Hotel, The Netherlands http://ssqip.tudelft.nl This conference aims at (1) reviewing the progress in quantum information processing using devices built in the solid state, (2) reporting the most recent results, and (3) identifying promises and challenges in this field. *** Addendum *** =============================================================================== 5. CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS =============================================================================== ICOLS03 Satellite Meeting: Atomic Frequency Standards 21 July 2003 Registration Deadline: 1 July 2003 Sydney, Australia. A one-day Workshop on the Latest Developemnts in Atomic Frequency Standards will be held as a satellite meeting to ICOLS03 on 21 July 2003 at the CSIRO National Measurement Laboratory, Sydney. Invited speakers include: Professor Dr T. W. Hänsch, Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik Dr Leo Hollberg, National Institute for Standards and Technology, Boulder A/Prof Michael Tobar, University of Western Australia Dr Hugh Klein, National Physical Laboratory, London An interim program for the meeting can be found at: ftp://time1.tip.csiro.au/pub/timedata/Interim_Program.doc Information on travel, accommodation and other issues can be found at: ftp://time1.tip.csiro.au/pub/timedata/Information.doc The registration fee is $A110, which includes lunch and dinner. Deadline for registration to enable dinner reservations to be secured: 1 July 2003 For further information, please contact Peter Fisk, peter.fisk@csiro.au, +61 2 9413 7221