************************************ * QUANTUM OPTICS AND ATOM OPTICS * * IN AUSTRALASIA * * * * * * * * MONTHLY NEWSLETTER * * VOL VII, NO 10 * * * * October 1999 * * * * 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 October issue of the newsletter ******************************************************************************* 1. ABSTRACTS Title: Vector Phase Measurement in Multipath Quantum Interferometry Authors: B. C. Sanders [1], H. de Guise [2], D. J. Rowe[3] and A. Mann [4] Addresses: [1] Macquarie University, [2] Universite de Montreal, [3] University of Toronto, [4] Technion, Israel Journal: Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and General Abstract: We introduce vector phase states for multipath quantum interferometry and construct the vector phase positive operator-valued measure. We calculate SU(3) phase distributions for three-path quantum interferometry and discuss measurement limits. ______________________________________________________________ TITLE: Optical-phonon modes and electron-phonon interaction in arbitrary semiconductor planar microcavities AUTHORS: Jun-jie Shi [1], B. C. Sanders [1], Shao-hua Pan [1,2] and E. M. Goldys[1] ADDRESSES: [1] Macquarie University [2] Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences JOURNAL:Physical Review B ABSTRACT: Within the framework of the dielectric continuum model, we solve the optical-phonon modes in an arbitrary semiconductor quantum well planar microcavity (MC) using the transfer matrix method and derive the dispersion relation for the interface modes. The electron-phonon interaction Fr\"olich-like Hamiltonian in a semiconductor planar MC is obtained for the first time. For a typical model cavity, numerical results are presented. We find that the electron with the quantum well modes is most important for larger wave vector $k$ among all of the interface phonon modes. These results are useful for further investigating the physics, as well as device applications, of semiconductor MCs. __________________________________________________________________________ Title: High-efficiency quantum interrogation measurements via the quantum Zeno effect Authors: P. G. Kwiat [1], A. G. White [1] J. R. Mitchell [1], O. Nairz [2], G. Weihs [2], H. Weinfurter [2], and A. Zeilinger [2] Addresses: [1] Physics Division, P-23, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA [2] Institute for Experimental Physics, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, AUSTRIA Journal: to appear in Phys. Rev. Lett., submitted June 11, 1999. Abstract: The phenomenon of quantum interrogation allows one to optically detect the presence of an absorbing object, without the measuring light interacting with it. In an application of the quantum Zeno effect, the object inhibits the otherwise coherent evolution of the light, such that the probability that an interrogating photon is absorbed can in principle be arbitrarily small. We have implemented this technique, demonstrating efficiencies exceeding the 50% theoretical-maximum of the original ``interaction-free'' measurement proposal. We have also predicted and experimentally verified a previously unsuspected dependence on loss; efficiencies of up to 73% were observed and the feasibility of efficiencies up to 85% was demonstrated. ******************************************************************************* 2. CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS Bose-Einstein Condensation: atomic physics to quantum liquids. The ANU 13th Physics Summer School. January 17-28, 2000 A two week school aimed at PhD students. Contact: Craig Savage, Physics, Faculties, ANU, ACT 0200 http://rsphysse.anu.edu.au/~ss0105/ss2000.html ***************************************************************************** 4. SITUATIONS VACANT AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (Department of Electronic Materials Engineering) and the UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA (Centre for Advanced Telecommunications and Quantum Electronics Research) have several short term Research Assistant/Research Associate positions in the following areas available January 3 2000: Semiconductor laser modelling; Semiconductor laser fabrication; Semiconductor laser characterisation; Free-space quantum key distribution. Expressions of interest to: Paul Edwards Professor of Electronic Engineering and Applied Physics Director, Centre for Advanced Telecommunications and Quantum Electronics Research, University of Canberra. c/- Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200. +61 (0) 26 249 4434(V) +61 (0) 26 201 5041 (F) pje109@rsphysse.anu.edu.au paule@ise.canberra.edu.au web: http://beth.canberra.edu.au/atrc/atrc.htm http://rsphysse.anu.edu.au/eme/ ___________________________________________________________ Post-Doctoral Position Laser Frequency Stabilization and Precision Optical Frequency Synthesis Applications are being accepted for a post-doctoral position within the optical frequency standards project located in the NRC Institute for National Measurement Standards, Ottawa, Ontario. The position is open for a term of 1 year that can be extended up to a period of 2 years. The optical frequency standards project is Canada's premier laboratory for precision realisation of optical frequencies and vacuum wavelengths. The laboratory has been the first in Canada to achieve laser cooling of single, electro-dynamically trapped ions. In addition, it has been a world player in the development of state-of-the-art laser probing and stabilization methods on reference single ion transitions. Recent achievements include the world's first Cs-clock-based absolute frequency measurement of a single ion at visible frequencies and the establishment of an internationally recognised optical frequency standard. Also, innovative techniques in linking optical frequencies with atomic clock references are being pursued leading to new results in optical frequency synthesis and Hertz-level ultra-stable laser development. The selected post-doctoral fellow will be directly involved in new series of experiments to link precisely optical frequencies with known references. Of major interest will be the investigation of femtosecond laser technology toward the synthesis of an extremely stable reference grid of optical frequencies stabilized to a Cs atomic clock reference. The candidate will make use of current laser stabilization techniques and frequency synthesis via harmonic mixing methods. Some activities may involve participation in work associated with the single trapped strontium ion experiment and work with diode and solid state lasers. The candidate should have completed a Ph.D. in experimental laser, atomic/molecular or optical physics and should be familiar with CW or pulsed laser systems. Experience with mode-locked femtosecond laser systems would be a strong asset. A knowledge of non-linear optics, together with experience in diode lasers and laser servo stabilization would be advantageous. The candidate should be familiar with operation of such devices as acousto-optic and electro-optic modulators,lock-in-amplifiers, analog electronic circuits, piezo control systems, and should be able to work with computer based data acquisition systems. The candidate will be working within a team environment to achieve the necessary work goals and should be able to effectively interact and communicate within the group and external university partners in joint research. Applicants are requested to send curriculum vitae along with 2 reference letters to: Dr. Alan Madej Project Leader, Optical Frequency Standards Rm146, Bldg. M-36 I.N.M.S. National Research Council of Canada Ottawa, Ont. K1A 0R6 ___________________________________________________________ PRINCETON UNIVERSITY Faculty and Research Positions In anticipation of possible openings, the Physics Department at Princeton University is seeking applicants for junior faculty and postdoctoral research positions beginning as early as January 1, 2000. Applicants with experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply: Experimental condensed matter, high energy, laser-atomic, nuclear, astro and biophysics; theoretical condensed matter physics, cosmology, particle physics, mathematical physics. Women and minorities are particularly encouraged to apply. Those interested can obtain applications from the World Wide Web: http://www.physics.princeton.edu/www/posts.html, or by writing to Professor Curtis Callan, Chairman, Department of Physics, P.O. Box 708, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544. To receive full consideration all application materials should be received November 19, l999. Princeton University is an equal-opportunity and affirmative-action employer. __________________________________________________________________ POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN QUANTUM OPTICS IN SEMICONDUCTORS DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS, UNIVERSITY OF OREGON A postdoctoral position is available to work on experimental quantum optics and quantum information in microcavity semiconductor systems. The goals of the project are to reach for the first time the Quantum-electrodynamics strong-coupling regime for a semiconductor quantum dot in an optical microcavity, and to use such a system to implement a quantum logic gate. Candidates should have background in experimental quantum optics, semiconductor optical physics, and/or laser physics. For full consideration the application should be received by November 15, 1999. The starting date may be as early as December 1, 1999. Candidates should send a current curriculum vita and arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to: Michael G. Raymer Oregon Center for Optics Physics Dept. University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403-1274 Letters may be sent by e-mail to: raymer@oregon.uoregon.edu The University of Oregon is an EO/AA/ADA institution committed to cultural diversity. __________________________________________________________________ FACULTY POSITION IN EXPERIMENTAL ATOMIC/OPTICAL PHYSICS University of Oregon The Physics Department at the University of Oregon invites applications for at least two faculty positions in experimental physics to start in the 2000-2001 academic year. We expect to fill these positions at the rank of tenure-track assistant or associate professor, but in exceptional cases will consider tenured appointments at any rank. The search is targeted towards, but is not limited to, the following research areas: Atomic and/or Optical Physics, Biophysics, High Energy Physics, Soft Condensed Matter Physics. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and start-up funds will be available. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in physics or a related discipline and an outstanding record of research accomplishments. Some prior teaching experience is also desirable. Successful candidates will be expected to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels and conduct vigorous research programs. Collaborations with, and membership in, various research institutes will be possible. More information about the department and related units can be found at http://zebu.uoregon.edu/physics.html Candidates should send a current curriculum vita, a list of publications, and a statement of current research interests and future research plans, and should arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted to: Chair, Search Committee, Department of Physics, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1274. Recommendation letters may be sent by email to search@physics.uoregon.edu. To guarantee full consideration, applications should be received by November 1, 1999, but applications will continue to be reviewed until the positions are filled. The University of Oregon is an EO/AA/ADA institution committed to cultural diversity. ****************************************************************************** 5. MISC NEWS