************************************ * QUANTUM OPTICS AND ATOM OPTICS * * IN AUSTRALASIA * * * * * * * * MONTHLY NEWSLETTER * * VOL VI, NO 9 * * * * September1998 * * * * ISSN 1325-6467 * * * Edited by: Bill Munro * \ | / * Physics, University of Queensland, * \__|__/ * QLD 4072, Australia. * | * email: munro@physics.uq.edu.au Available on WWW at: * | * phone: +61 7 3365 2422 http://www.anu.edu.au * | * fax: +61 7 3365 1242 /Physics/newsletter * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 nineth newsletter of the year. For those of us who like JILA reprints, there is an easy way to get them now. Please check out the web page http://jilaweb.colorado.edu/www/sro/ and you can order reprints over the web. ******************************************************************************* 1. ABSTRACTS Threshold behaviour in a multimode laser L. Stamatescu and M.W. Hamilton Department of Physics and Mathematical Physics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA5005, Australia Abstract: For a multi-longitudinal mode Nd:YAG laser, end-pumped by a diode laser, we describe an effect close to the laser threshold, in which modes that have lower gain can have higher intensity than modes which have higher gain, even though the lower gain modes have a higher threshold pump power. It is shown that an extension to the standard multimode laser model of Tang Statz and deMars [J. Appl. Phys. 35 2825 (1963)], that allows for spatial variation of the pump rate, is able to account for this observed behaviour. Submitted to Phys. Rev. A 8/98 ******************************************************************************* 2. CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS =================================================== % % % A C O L S 98 % % % % Australasian Conference on Optics, % % Lasers and Spectroscopy % % % % 14th - 17th December, 1998 % % % % University of Canterbury, % % Christchurch, New Zealand % % % % Web: http://www.physics.otago.ac.nz/~acols98/ % % Email: acols98@physics.otago.ac.nz % % % =================================================== The ACOLS conference series resumes this year after the suspension for IQEC in Sydney in 1996. It will be held for the first time in New Zealand, in the modern facilities of the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. The abstract submission deadline has now passed, nearly 200 contributed papers have been received. The abstracts have been sent to the referees, and we expect to notify authors of the status of their papers by September 28th. We look forward to welcoming scientists from new Zealand, Australia and further afield to Christchurch in December. ____________________________________________________________________________ The Department of Physics/Centre for Laser Science at the University of Queensland runs a physics camp each year at Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast, with a focus on undergraduate participation. This year, the department is offering 4 student prizes to 3rd and 4th year students outside the Brisbane area. Each prize is a contribution toward airfare, accomodation and camp attendance. To apply, please send a 100 word review essay on a current research topic in physics, and a copy of your academic record to: HOD Physics Department The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 QLD Applications must be received by 21/9/98 ****************************************************************************** 4. SITUATIONS VACANT Postdoctoral research position in theoretical quantum optics At: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Theoretical Division Job Description: In anticipation of a possible opening as early as October 1998, applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in theoretical quantum optics and high-performance computation. The initial appointment will be for one year, with possible renewal for up to two additional years. The successful candidate will participate in a new LANL-Caltech collaboration on the design and simulation of quantum feedback control strategies for cavity QED with cold atoms. In order to incorporate the practicalities of experimental implementation, stochastic master equation methods will be used in the control synthesis. The simulations and design will make use of advanced computing facilities available through the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) and the Advanced Computing Laboratory at Los Alamos. Applicants must have expertise in quantum trajectory formalisms, and prior experience with parallel numerical algorithms is desirable but not essential. Applicants must not have obtained their Ph.D. earlier than October 1994. For more information: Salman Habib, T-8 LANL (habib@lanl.gov) Hideo Mabuchi, Caltech (hmabuchi@its.caltech.edu) Applicants should send a curriculum vita and contact information for three references, preferably by electronic mail. Application Deadline: Sep 30 (Wed), 1998 Submitted: Aug 26, 1998 ____________________________________________________________________________ Faculty Positions: Georgia Institute of Technology The School of Physics invites applications for tenure track faculty positions starting Fall 1999. The School of Physics has a long-standing tradition of interdisciplinary research. We have a growing dynamic department whose current areas of strength include: Atomic and Molecular Physics, Optical Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Computational Physics, Physics of Biological Systems, Nonlinear Dynamics and Statistical Physics. Information about the School can be found on the Web Site: http://www.physics.gatech.edu. Applicants should send a CV and statements on research plans and teaching goals and should have three letters of reference forwarded to: Chair, Faculty Search Committee, School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0430. Phone: (404) 894-5200. Applications received by November 15, 1998 will be assured of full consideration. Postdoctoral experience beyond the Ph.D. is expected for junior candidates. The Georgia Institute of Technology, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. ____________________________________________________________________________ Postgraduate Scholarships for Quantum Optical Device Research at ANU and the University of Canberra Applications are invited fromÊ BEÊ andÊ BSc graduates with good Honours degrees in Physics or Electrical EngineeringÊ for ScholarshipsÊ with APA level stipends plus "top-ups" of up to $10,000 paÊ to pursue PhDÊ MSc and ME studies at the ANU and the University of Canberra in the design,Ê fabrication, characterisation and use ofÊ advanced quantum optical devices and systems. For further information contact: Dr C Jagadish, Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering, ANUÊ (cxj109@rsphy1.anu.edu.au) ; Professor PaulÊ Edwards, Centre for Advanced Telecommunications and Quantum Electronics Research, Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering University of Canberra (paule@ise.canberra.edu.au ); or either ofÊ the ANU or UC Scholarships Offices for applications forms before September 30. ____________________________________________________________________________ LASER ENGINEER AND TECHNICAL MANAGER Pilkington Optronics, Glasgow, UK (Commercial) As a leading supplier of electro-optical equipment to the world146s armed forces, Pilkington Optronics provides its customers with high technology solutions for land, sea and air applications. Our award-winning Glasgow facility, Barr & Stroud Ltd, has built up a reputation for excellence over many years of competitive performance throughout the world. Laser Engineer (Ref: POG/1) As a key member of the Laser Development Team you will support the development and production of laser equipment, taking the lead in laser design, identifying potential problems and devising risk reduction programmes. You will be responsible for communicating laser issues and requirements within multi-disciplinary project teams and contribute to the growth of laser technology and skills throughout the company. Ideal candidates for these roles will be educated at least to degree level in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 2-3 years post graduate experience working in the field of flat panel displays (Technical Manager) or Solid State laser design (Laser Engineer). In return, we offer an excellent salary and benefits package and the challenge of a demanding and responsible role. Closing date for applications: Wednesday 30 September 1998. To apply please write with CV and current salary details. Please quote appropriate reference Contact Name: Liz Bell, HR Manager Pilkington Optronics, Barr & Stroud Ltd, 1 Linthouse Road, Govan, Glasgow, G51 4BZ. ____________________________________________________________________________ Postdoctoral Position - Ultrafast Optical Spectroscopy - University of Cambridge - Department of Physics, Cambridge, UK A postdoctoral position is available for work related to ultrafast optical processes in semiconductors. The position is funded under the EU Network 147Ultrafast Quantum Optoelectronics148, and applicants must satisfy the standard conditions for such posts. The post, tenable for up to two years, is for an experimentalist who will join our work on coherent spectroscopy of semiconductors. The work is based in the group of Dr Richard Phillips in the Cavendish Laboratory; for the Network project we are also collaborating with Hitachi Cambridge Laboratory which is adjacent. Applications, including a full CV and the names of two referees, should be sent by 15 October 1998. The University is an equal opportunities employer. Contact details Dr R T Phillips rtp1@phy.cam.ac.uk Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK _________________________________________________________________ TRAINEE TECHNICAL EDITORS, Wrox Press, Birmingham, UK (Commercial) Wrox Press, Publisher of computer programming books, seeks recent graduates and postgraduates for the position of trainee technical editor. Previous experience of programming is not necessary, but you do need an ability to get to grips with complex technical information. Stretch your analytical skills with us and in return we offer high autonomy and rewards. Contact Name: Heather Gopsill heatherg@wrox.com Wrox Press, 30 Lincoln Road, Olton, Birmingham B27 6PA Ê Ê ****************************************************************************** 5. MISC NEWS ****************************************************************************** ************************************ * QUANTUM OPTICS AND ATOM OPTICS * * IN AUSTRALASIA * * * * * * * * MONTHLY NEWSLETTER * * VOL VI, NO 9A * * * * September1998 * * * * ISSN 1325-6467 * * * Edited by: Bill Munro * \ | / * Physics, University of Queensland, * \__|__/ * QLD 4072, Australia. * | * email: munro@physics.uq.edu.au Available on WWW at: * | * phone: +61 7 3365 2422 http://www.anu.edu.au * | * fax: +61 7 3365 1242 /Physics/newsletter * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4. SITUATIONS VACANT POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW IN LASER/OPTICS PHYSICS (Ref: 3599) Department of Physics and Mathematical Physics Salary: $42,024 - $45,111 An exciting opportunity exists to participate in a new development of very large lightweight and inexpensive telescopes, based on holographic correction of lightweight and inferior quality mirrors. The ideal candidate will have experience in experimental holography, optical design, building and operating large optical structures. You should have: - a PhD in physics or applied physics - familiarity with lasers and laser design - excellent analytical and programming skills - expertise listed above must be demonstrated through publication on these subjects in reputable refereed physics journals. The position is available immediately for a period of one year in the first instance with the possibility of renewal for a further year, subject to funding and satisfactory performance. Further information, including the selection criteria, may be obtained from Professor J Munch, telephone: 8303 5685, email: jmunch@physics.adelaide.edu.au or www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/optics/index.html RESEARCH STUDENTS: We would also welcome enquiries from students interested in pursuing postgraduate study in this field. A limited number of stipends will be available to supplement scholarship support. APPLICATIONS IN DUPLICATE addressing the selection criteria and quoting the reference number should include names and addresses of three referees, to Professor J Munch, Department of Physics and Mathematical Physics, The University of Adelaide, Australia 5005 by 1 October 1998.