************************************ * QUANTUM OPTICS AND ATOM OPTICS * * IN AUSTRALASIA * * * * * * * * MONTHLY NEWSLETTER * * VOL VIII, NO 10 * * * * October 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 October newsletter. ******************************************************************************* 1. ABSTRACTS Title: A Bell's Inequality Test with Entangled Atoms Authors: Almut Beige[1], William J. Munro[2], and Peter L. Knight[1] [1] Optics Section, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, London, London SW7 2BZ, England [2] Centre for Laser Science, Department of Physics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia Ref: Accepted PRA (2000) Abstract: Previous work on Bell's inequality realised in the laboratory has used entangled photons. Here we describe how entangled atoms can violate Bell's inequality, and how these violations can be measured with a very high detection efficiency. We first discuss a simple scheme based on two-level atoms inside a cavity to prepare the entangled state. We then discuss a scheme using three-level atoms, which requires a parameter regime much easier to access experimentally using current technology. As opposed to other schemes, our proposal relies on the presence of finite decay rates and its implementation should therefore be much less demanding. ******************************************************************************* 2. CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS >>>>>Workshop on Quantum Information Theory <<<<< The Workshop to be held on the Gold Coast, Australia, from Jan 21-25, 2001 is a satellite meeting to the First International Conference on Experimental Implementations of Quantum Computation to be held in Sydney, Jan 16-19, 2001. Both meetings are organised by the Australian Centre for Quantum Computer Technology. Please note that to maintain the atmosphere of a research workshop numbers will be limited to 40 attendees. The Workshop will be held at the Greenmount Beach Resort. Information on this workshop can be found at http://www.quantinfo.org/conf ________________________________________________________________________ INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EXPERIMENTAL IMPLEMENTATION OF QUANTUM COMPUTATION (IQC 01) IQC 01 will be held in Sydney, Australia 16-19 January 2001. The objective of the conference is to provide an international forum to review the latest developments in the experimental implementation of quantum computer proposals worldwide. This will also include theoretical investigations relevant to the various computer architectures, implementation strategies and computer operation. Information can be found at ******************************************************************************* 4. SITUATIONS VACANT POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN QUANTUM CHAOS WITH COLD ATOMS Department of Physics, University of Auckland, New Zealand Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Fellowship with the Atom Trapping Group at the University of Auckland. The principal project associated with the fellowship is the investigation of the quantum-classical boundary in the context of quantum chaos with an atom-optics-based realisation of the kicked rotor. Planned extensions of present work include the realisation of kicking processes with added noise of arbitrary statistics and the implementation of two-dimensional optical lattice configurations for studies of nonlinear dynamics and atomic state manipulation. The Department of Physics also has strong research programmes in Theoretical Quantum Optics and Experimental Nonlinear Optics. Applicants should have PhD (or postdoctoral) research experience in experimental/theoretical laser and atomic physics, and preference will be given to candidates with expertise in atom trapping. A strong theoretical/experimental background is also desirable. The fellowship is for a period of two years (with a possibility of a further extension), and is available immediately. Inquiries should be directed to: Dr Rainer Leonhardt in the Department of Physics, Phone: +64-9-373-7599x8835, Fax: +64-9-373-7445, Email: r.leonhardt@auckland.ac.nz Applicants should send a copy of their curriculum vitae together with the names and contact details of three referees. Closing date: 6 October 2000 ________________________________________________ Australian National University INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES RESEARCH SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS LABORATORIES RESEARCH FELLOW/FELLOW (LEVEL B/C) (fixed term appointment) Atom Optics, Nanotechnology, Atomic Collisions Applications are invited for a Research Fellowship in the Atomic and Molecular Physics Laboratories, Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering. The position is for an experimentalist who can make major contributions to the Department's experimental activities based on the laser control of metastable helium atoms for experiments in atom optics, nanotechnology and atomic collision physics. The research program is centred around a state-of-the-art "bright" metastable helium beam line, a cryogenic source of metastable helium atoms and a metastable helium atom trap facility. Experiments are conducted in a range of areas including atom lithography, atom waveguides, atom-atom and electron-atom collisions and atomic spectroscopy. The applicant would be expected to assume the day-to-day responsibilities for the operation of the beam line and associated experiments as well as providing high level input to the scientific direction of the project and supervision of research students. A preference will be given to applicants with specific experience in laser cooling and trapping techniques and experience in several of the other project fields would be a distinct advantage. The position will be available in early 2001 for a fixed term of up to five years. Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Stephen Buckman, Head, Atomic and Molecular Physics Laboratories, Ph: (02) 6249 2484, FAX: (02) 6249 2452, email: stephen.buckman@anu.edu.au or from Dr. Kenneth Baldwin, email: Kenneth.Baldwin@anu.edu.au. Or visit our Web site at http://rsphysse.anu.edu.au/ampl Intending applicants must obtain the further particulars and selection criteria for the position from hr.rsphysse@anu.edu.au. Closing date: 24 November 2000 Reference: PSE 13/2000 _____________________________________________________________________ Head of quantum physics group at Starlab Barcelona Starlab is a private fundamental research laboratory located in Brussels, Belgium. It focuses on research in growth areas of the future such as medicine, nanotechnology, quantum physics, artificial intelligence, and bio-informatics. Starlab currently employs over 50 scientists. For further information please see our website: http://www.starlab.org We are currently setting up a sister company in Barcelona, Spain, which will follow the model of Starlab Brussels. It is our aim to build a centre of quantum physics at Starlab Barcelona devoted to fundamental research in experimental as well as theoretical quantum physics. We are seeking a senior scientist in the field of experimental quantum physics/quantum optics to lead the quantum physics group. Applications are invited from candidates with a PhD in physics. The applicant should have a strong background in experimental quantum mechanics, a proven record of scholarly publication, as well as several years of postdoctoral experience in the field. Renumeration: the best in the market. To apply, please send your CV to Dr Giulio Ruffini, Starlab nv/sa, Boulevard Saint Michel 47, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium; e-mail: giulio@starlab.net. Enquires about the post can be sent to the same address. The post will remain open until filled by a suitable candidate. ___________________________________________________________________________ LECTURERS IN PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY, University of Canterbury, New Zealand Applications are invited for two continuing positions of Lecturer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The minimum qualification on appointment is a PhD degree or equivalent and some postdoctoral experience. Vacancy No: PH140: Physics. We seek a person who will strengthen the higher level teaching programme in quantum mechanics and relativity, and whose research interests support or complement the Departmental programmes in physics (including cosmology, applied group theory and quantum field theory) and/or in large ring lasers. Vacancy No: PH141: Astronomy. We seek a person to contribute to the teaching and continuing development of a selection of the Department’s courses in astronomy and physics (possibly including electronics), and with research interests which would enhance the scientific returns from the University’s astronomical facilities at Mount John University Observatory and its recently negotiated share in the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). Current research interests centre on medium- and high-resolution spectroscopy and photometry of variable stars in the Galaxy and Magellanic Clouds. For information, contact : H.reeves@regy.canterbury.ac.nz Applications, quoting Vacancy No:PH140 (theoretical physics) or PH141 (astronomy), close on 20 October 2000 Contact Name: The Human Resources Manager University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand.