************************************ * QUANTUM OPTICS AND ATOM OPTICS * * IN AUSTRALASIA * * * * * * * * MONTHLY NEWSLETTER * * VOL VII, NO 11 * * * * November 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 November issue of the newsletter ******************************************************************************* 1. ABSTRACTS TITLE: Nonclassical fields and the nonlinear interferometer AUTHORS: B. C. Sanders and D. A. Rice ADDRESS: Macquarie University JOURNAL: Physical Review A STATUS: Accepted ABSTRACT: We demonstrate several new results for the nonlinear interferometer, which emerge from a formalism which elegantly describes the output field of the nonlinear interferometer as two-mode entangled coherent states. We clarify the relationship between squeezing and entangled coherent states, since a weak nonlinear evolution produces a squeezed output, while a strong nonlinear evolution produces a two-mode, two-state entangled coherent state. In between these two extremes exist superpositions of two-mode coherent states manifesting varying degrees of entanglement for arbitrary values of the nonlinearity. The cardinality of the basis set of the entangled coherent states is finite when the ratio $\chi / \pi$ is rational, where $\chi$ is the nonlinear strength. We also show that entangled coherent states can be produced from product coherent states via a nonlinear medium {\em without} the need for the interferometric configuration. This provides an important experimental simplification in the process of creating entangled coherent states. _________________________________________________________________ Title: A Quantum Scattering Theory Approach to Quantum Optical Measurements Authors: B.J. Dalton[a], Stephen M. Barnett[b] and P.L. Knight[c] Addresses: [a] Physics Department, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia [b] Department of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G40NG, U.K. [c] Optics Section, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2BZ, U.K. Journal: Journal of Modern Optics, 1999, Vol. 46, No. 7, 1107-1121 Abstract: The theory of quantum optical measurements is developed via a Heisenberg picture approach to quantum scattering theory. The multitime quantum correlation functions describing the measurements are expressed in terms of input or output operators, which are related via the scattering operator. ______________________________________________________________________ Title: Quasi mode theory of macroscopic canonical quantization in quantum optics and cavity quantum electrodynamics Authors: B.J. Dalton[a], Stephen M. Barnett[b] and P.L. Knight[c] Addresses: [a] Physics Department, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia [b] Department of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G40NG, U.K. [c] Optics Section, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2BZ, U.K. Journal: Journal of Modern Optics, 1999, Vol. 46, No. 9, 1315-1341 Abstract: A macroscopic, canonical quantization of the EM field and radiating atom system in quantum optics and cavity QED involving classical, linear optical devices, based on expanding the vector potential in terms of quasi-mode functions is presented. The quasi-mode functions approximate the true mode functions for the device, and are obtained by solving the Helmholtz equation for the spatially dependent electric permittivity function describing the device. The Hamiltonian for the EM field and radiating atom system is obtained in multipolar form and the quantum EM field is found to be equivalent to a set of quantum harmonic oscillators, one oscillator per quasi mode. However, unlike true mode theory where the quantum harmonic oscillators are uncoupled, in the quasi mode theory they are coupled and photon exchange processes can occur. Explicit expressions for the coupling constants are obtained. The interaction energy between the radiative atoms and the quantum EM field depends on the amplitudes of the quasi mode functions at the positions of the radiating atoms, similar to that for the true mode approach. The simpler forms for the quasi mode functions enable the atom-field interaction energy to be written in a form in which the atoms are only coupled to certain types of modes - for example cavity quasi modes, which are large inside the optical cavity. In such cases the escape of energy from excited atoms in the cavity can be pictured in quasi mode theory as a two step process - the atom de-excites and creates a photon in a cavity quasi-mode, the photon in the cavity quasi mode is then lost and appears as a photon in an external quasi-mode. In this process the first step occurs via the atom-cavity quasi mode interaction, the second through coupling between cavity and external quasi modes. This may be contrasted with the true mode approach, where the excited atom loses its energy and the photon is created in one of the true modes. As all true modes have non zero amplitudes outside as well as inside the cavity, the escape of energy from excited atoms in the cavity is seen as a one step process. An application of the quasi mode theory to the quantum theory of the beam splitter is outlined. The unitary operator used to describe this device is a scattering operator, relating initial and long time values of annihilation, creation operators for pairs of incident and reflected modes, interpreted here as quasi modes. ______________________________________________________________________ Title: Quasi Mode Theory Of The Beam Splitter Ð A Quantum Scattering Theory Approach Authors: B.J. Dalton[a], Stephen M. Barnett[b] and P.L. Knight[c] Addresses: [a] Physics Department, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia [b] Department of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G40NG, U.K. [c] Optics Section, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2BZ, U.K. Journal: Journal of Modern Optics, 1999, Vol. 46, No. 10, 1559-1577 Abstract: A quantum theory of the lossless beam splitter is given in terms of the quasi mode theory of macroscopic canonical quantization used to treat problems in cavity quantum electrodynamics and quantum optics. A Heisenberg picture approach to quantum scattering theory is applied, in which the input and output operators that are related via the scattering operator are linked to quantum optical measurements described via multitime quantum correlation functions. In the application to the beam splitter the Heisenberg equations of motion for the input operators associated with the quasi mode annihilation operators are formally solved in a rotating picture to show that the unitary transform of the incident quasi mode annihilation operator (via the scattering operator) is just a linear combinations of the incident and reflected quasi mode annihilation operators, in accordance with assumptions made in previous treatments of the beam splitter. The results depend on conservation of the transverse component of the wave vector, which follows from the form of the quasi mode-quasi mode coupling constants, and on conservation of the unperturbed energy, which follows from scattering theory. The applicability of quantum scattering theory to the beam splitter is justified in the usual situation where integrated one photon and two photon detection rates are finite for incident light field states of interest. ______________________________________________________________________ Title: Macroscopic canonical quantization in quantum optics: Properties of quasi mode annihilation and creation operators Authors: B.J. Dalton[a], Stephen M. Barnett[b] and P.L. Knight[c] Addresses: [a] Physics Department, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia [b] Department of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G40NG, U.K. [c] Optics Section, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2BZ, U.K. Journal: Journal of Modern Optics, 1999, Vol. 46, No. 10, 1495-1502 Abstract: Macroscopic canonical quantization of the EM field and radiative atom systems occurring in quantum optics experiments, involving linear classical optics devices can be carried out via expansion of the vector potential either in terms of true mode functions for the optical device or in terms of approximate or quasi mode functions. The relationship between the true mode and quasi mode annihilation, creation operators is determined and shown to involve a Bogolubov transformation. Analytic properties are also examined and it is found that the annihilation, creation operators times the square root of the angular frequency are analytic functions of the variables specifying the modes. ______________________________________________________________________ Title: The standard model in cavity quantum electrodynamics: I. General features of mode functions for a Fabry-Perot cavity Authors: B.J. Dalton[a] and P.L. Knight[b] Addresses: [a] Physics Department, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia [b] Optics Section, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2BZ, U.K. Journal: Journal of Modern Optics, 1999, Vol. 46, 1817-1837 Abstract: In the present and the accompanying paper a justification of the standard model of cavity quantum electrodynamics is given in terms of a quasi-mode theory of macroscopic canonical quantization. The coupling of the cavity quasi-mode to external quasi-modes is treated for the representative case of the three dimensional Fabry-Perot cavity. The general form of the travelling and trapped mode functions for this cavity are derived in this paper and the mode-mode coupling constants calculated in the accompanying paper. The slow dependence of the coupling constants with the mode frequency difference demonstrates that the conditions for Markovian damping of the cavity quasi-mode are satisfied. As also discussed in the accompanying paper, the interaction of radiative atoms with cavity quasi-modes is associated with reversible energy exchanges between atom and cavity and represented by Rabi coupling constants. The interaction of radiative atoms located within the cavity with sideways travelling external quasi-modes involves slowly varying coupling constants and is associated with irreversible spontaneous emission damping. The basic processes represented in the standard cavity quantum electrodynamics model and the associated coupling constant and decay rates thereby follow from the quasi-mode theory. ______________________________________________________________________ Title: The standard model in cavity quantum electrodynamics: II. Coupling constants and atom field interaction Authors: B.J. Dalton[a] and P.L. Knight[b] Addresses: [a] Physics Department, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia [b] Optics Section, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2BZ, U.K. Journal: Journal of Modern Optics, 1999, Vol. 46, 1839-1868 Abstract: Specific forms of the travelling and trapped vector mode functions for a three dimensional Fabry-Perot cavity are developed from the general results of the preceding paper, with parameters describing the output cavity mirror chosen for a typical high Q cavity case. Cavity and external quasi-mode functions associated with the quasi-mode theory of macroscopic canonical quantization are then obtained via an idealised choice of output mirror parameters. The coupling constants describing photon exchange processes between the single cavity quasi-mode associated with each Fabry-Perot resonance and various external quasi-modes are calculated, and their slow dependence on the external quasi-mode frequency shows that the conditions for irreversible Markovian damping of the cavity quasi-mode are satisfied. For radiative atoms placed in the cavity the coupling constants for energy exchange processes with sideways travelling external quasi-modes also vary slowly, so that Markovian spontaneous emission damping occurs for the radiative atoms. However, their coupling with the isolated cavity quasi-modes is associated with reversible photon exchanges as represented via one photon Rabi frequencies. The standard model in cavity quantum electrodynamics, in which the basic processes are described by a cavity damping rate, a radiative atom spontaneous decay rate and an atom-cavity mode coupling constant has now been justified in terms of the quasi-mode theory of macroscopic canonical quantization. ******************************************************************************* 2. CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS ****************************************************************************** ***** ***** ***** Theoretical Physics Summer School ***** ***** ***** ***** 1 -- 6 February 2000 ***** ***** ***** ***** Heron Island ***** ***** ***** ****************************************************************************** Topics: Quantum Optics -- Howard Carmichael (University of Oregon) Decoherence and Chaos -- Wojciech Zurek (Los Alamos) Mesoscopic Systems -- Crispin Barnes (Cavendish Laboratory) The summer school is for PhD and Honours students who are interested in an introduction to the topics above. Postdocs and academics are also more than welcome to attend. Costs: Students: $ 480 including Brisbane--Heron transport and accommodation. Postdocs and academics: $ 100 fee, accommodation and transport not included, see web page for details. More information: http://www.physics.uq.edu.au/people/cochrane/school/ or contact the organisers: Paul Cochrane (cochrane@physics.uq.edu.au) Sara Schneider (schneider@physics.uq.edu.au) We gratefully acknowledge support from: Department of Physics (UQ) Centre for Laser Science (UQ) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) (UQ) Dean of the Faculty of EPSA (UQ) Australian Institute of Physics (Queensland Branch) Australian Optical Society _____________________________________________________________________ IEEE Canberra Optical Free-Space Systems Workshop The ACT Section of the IEEE in collaboration with the University of Canberra Advanced Telecommunications and Quantum Electronics Research Centre are hosting this one morning workshop on Wednesday November 17 from 0900-1300 in Room 6B45, followed by lunch at the University of Canberra. Invited papers from members of Ball Aerospace Corporation, Electro Optic Systems Pty Ltd and AUSLIG will be presented with shorter (15 min) contributions welcome in the following areas: Quantum Key Cryptography; Optical Remote Sensing; Optical Satellite Communications; Electro-optic and Optoelectronic Devices and Systems. Enquiries, registration ($30 payable on the day) and (one page max) abstracts by Wednesday November 10 to: Professor Paul J Edwards paule@ise.canberra.edu.au pje109@rsphysse.anu.edu.au _____________________________________________________________________ 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 LECTURER (LEVEL B): Theoretical Physics The University of Queensland - Department of Physics, Brisbane, Australia (Academic) A$48,327 - A$57,388 per annum, plus employer superannuation contributions of 17% The Department of Physics seeks to appoint a lecturer in theoretical physics. The successful applicant will be a dynamic and innovative person with the potential to become an internationally recognised research leader, and an inspired teacher of both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The successful applicant must possess postgraduate qualifications (PhD level or equivalent) in theoretical physics in one or more of the following areas: atom optics/BEC, laser physics, mesoscopic electronics, nonlinear optics, quantum chaos, quantum information/computing, quantum optics and condensed matter physics. This is a continuing appointment at Level B. Closing date for applications: 31 December 1999. Contact details Reference Number:54799 Web Page: http://www.uq.edu.au Further information, including selection criteria and duty statement Contact Name: Professor Gerard J Milburn, Department of Physics Email Address: milburn@physics.uq.edu.au Applications (an original plus eight (8) copies), quoting reference number, addressing the selection criteria and including a resume, the names and addresses of three (3) referees and a detailed statement of research goals for the next five years should be forwarded Contact Name:Personnel Officer Faculty of Engineering Physical Sciences and Architecture The University of Queensland Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia _________________________________________________________________ Postdoctoral Research Position and Postgraduate Studentship One EU funded Postdoctoral Research position and one Postgraduate Studentship are available with the following project: Quantum Computation, Information and Cryptography. The goal of this research is to study quantum cryptography across a noisy channel. Candidates for the Postdoctoral position are likely to hold a Ph.D. in theoretical Quantum Optics or a relevant discipline. Candidates for the research studentship should hold a degree in Physics, Mathematics or a related subject. The Postdoctoral Research position is available for a 1 year period in the first instance and will be paid on point 6 on the R&A 1A scale: £18,185 p.a. Application forms and further particulars for the Postdoctoral Research position are available by contacting Personnel Services, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DG. Tel: (01248) 382926/388132. E-mail: pos020@bangor.ac.uk Please quote reference number 99/149 when applying. To apply for the Postgraduate Studentship please send a CV, summary of research interests and the names and addresses of three referees to: Dr Sam Braunstein, School of Electronics, Computing and Mathematics, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1UT. Closing date for applications: Friday 3rd December, 1999. -------------------- _________________________________________________________________ LECTURER (LEVEL B): Experimental Physics Soft Condensed Matter Physics/Biophysics The University of Queensland - Department of Physics, Brisbane, Australia (Academic) A$48,327 - A$57,388 per annum plus employer superannuation contributions of 17% The Department of Physics seeks to appoint a lecturer in experimental physics. This will be the first appointment in a new experimental physics program in the department. The successful applicant will be a dynamic and innovative person with the potential to become an internationally recognised research leader and an inspired teacher of both undergraduate and postgraduate students in physics. The successful applicant must possess postgraduate qualifications (PhD level or equivalent) in experimental physics and will have established a reputation for world class research in experimental condensed matter physics which might include one or more of the following areas: biomolecular polymer physics, self assembled structures, membrane biophysics, single cell and single molecule biophysics, molecular motors, organic and biological nanostructures, laser biophysics, liquid crystals, microreheology, colloids and interfaces and near field spectroscopy of nanostructures. This is a continuing appointment at Level B. Closing Date for applications: 31 December 1999. Contact details Reference Number: 54899 Web Page: http://www.uq.edu.au Further information, including selection criteria and duty statement Contact Name: Professor Gerard J Milburn, Department of Physics Email Address: milburn@physics.uq.edu.au Applications (an original plus eight (8) copies), quoting reference number, addressing the selection criteria and including a resume, the names and addresses of three (3) referees and a detailed statement of research goals for the next five years should be forwarded Contact Name:Personnel Officer Faculty of Engineering Physical Sciences and Architecture The University of Queensland Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia ______________________________________________________________________ Department of Physics, University of Oxford POST DOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW (RS1A) £16286 - £24479 p.a. An EPSRC funded postdoctoral research fellowship working with Prof. K. Burnett and Dr. G. Summy is available for 18 months in the first instance. The successful applicant will work on the development of a new technique for manipulating the momentum of cold atoms. One of the goals of the project is the realisation of atom optical devices such as an atom interferometer. Further information may be obtained from Dr. Summy (g.summy1@physics.oxford.ac.uk). Applicants should have a PhD in physics together with experience in laser cooling and atom optics. Letters of application enclosing a CV and the names and addresses of two referees should be sent to the Administrator, Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK by 26th November 1999. The preferred start date is 3rd January 2000. _____________________________________________________________________ THE FLINDERS UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS AND EARTH SCIENCES LECTURER IN NANOSCIENCE (NANOSTRUCTURES AND LASER MANIPULATION) (Convertible) $46 893 - $55 560 Applications are invited from suitably qualified applicants for appointment to a Level B position in the School of Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences. The successful applicant will have a major role in developing the Nanostructures and Laser Devices stream within the new Bachelor of Science in Nanotechnology degree and will contribute to the teaching within this degree and, more generally, for physics and/or chemical physics/physical chemistry. We seek an experimentalist with experience in the use of lasers in nano-scale science, for example atom beam manipulation, optical tweezers, etc. The successful applicant is expected to develop a successful research and teaching program, including supervision of postgraduate research students. It is expected that they will establish a research program that collaborates with existing groups within the School/Faculty. Research infrastructure to support this area (for example vacuum chambers, single mode dye lasers, etc.) will be available. Essential criteria include a PhD and postdoctoral or other relevant research experience. Further information, including position documentation, must be obtained from the Head of School, Prof. WD Lawrance, phone (08) 8201 2008, fax (08) 8201 3035 or email: Warren.Lawrance@flinders.edu.au Applicants must address the selection criteria in the documentation. Applications, addressing the selection criteria and giving details of qualifications and experience together with the names, addresses (including email addresses) and facsimile numbers of three referees of whom confidential enquiries may be made, should be lodged with the Manager, Human Resources, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001, or fax (08) 8201 3131, by Friday, December 3, 1999. A/Prof Reginald T. Cahill (Phone: (618) or (08) 8201 2417 Physicist & Deputy Head (MobPhone: 041 882 5 882 School of Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences (Fax: (618) or (08) 8201 2905 Faculty of Science and Engineering (email: Reg.Cahill@flinders.edu.au Flinders University (www: http://ph131.ph.flinders.edu.au GPO Box 2100 Adelaide 5001 Australia ___________________________________________________________ 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/ ___________________________________________________________ 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. __________________________________________________________________ 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. ___________________________________________________________________ PhD Scholarship Supplement A scholarship supplement of $4,000 p.a. is offered for a PhD candidate who is awarded a scholarship at The University of Adelaide, for research into Broadband Optical Limiters. The duration of the supplement is 3 years, commencing February 2000. The candidate must be an Australian citizen. Optical limiters are devices that protect sensitive electro-optic sensors against intrusive, possibly damaging pulsed laser radiation. The performance requirements of a limiter are demanding; it must be transparent in the absence of laser radiation and should provide protection over a large range of pulse lengths, from picosecond to microsecond. Thus, limiters that protect visible sensors, such as eyes, need to have a spectral response bandwidth of 400nm to 700nm. A promising mechanism for optical limiting is that of nonlinear absorption, where the absorption of the material increases with increasing laser fluence. Preliminary experiments have shown that liquid Pt:ethynyl exhibits useful broadband limiting properties. The research may begin with a characterization of Pt:ethynyl in a solgel matrix, and then progress to other organometallic compounds. The research project is a collaboration between the Lasers and Optics Group in the Department of Physics and Mathematical Physics at The University of Adelaide and DSTO. The project will be predominantly experimental with an emphasis on nonlinear and electro- optics. The ideal candidate would thus be a strong experimentalist with an interest in lasers and optics. Applications for postgraduate scholarships at The University of Adelaide close 31/10/99. Postgraduate Research in Lasers and Optics The Lasers and Optics group consists of 3 academic staff, 3 postdoctoral researchers, 9 PhD students, several MSc and Graduate Diploma students, and 2 technical officers. Our research includes * phase conjugation using stimulated Brillouin scattering * phase-conjugated high power Nd:YAG lasers * ultra stable, diode pumped, high power cw Nd:YAG lasers for the detection of gravitational waves - a collaboration with the LIGO project * the direct measurement of thermal noise in gravitational wave detectors * Q-switched lasers for eye-safe coherent remote sensing of clear air turbulence and wind-shear * new laser architectures for coherent laser radar * holographic correction of mirrors for lidar receivers - a collaboration with UCLA * wave-front sensors * ultra-fast optoelectronics and AD-converters * quenched avalanche photodiodes and optical techniques for medical diagnostics * nonlinear spectroscopic processes and their interaction with noise * the dynamics of multi-mode lasers, as non-linear oscillator arrays Students interested in PhD and MSc projects in these areas are encouraged to apply for a postgraduate scholarship at The University of Adelaide and to contact Jesper Munch (jmunch@physics.adelade.edu.au), Murray Hamilton (mwh@physics.adelaide.edu.au) or Peter Veitch (pveitch@physics.adelaide.edu.au). ****************************************************************************** 5. MISC NEWS