************************************ * QUANTUM OPTICS AND ATOM OPTICS * * IN AUSTRALASIA * * * * * * * * MONTHLY NEWSLETTER * * VOL IX, NO 12 * * * CONTENTS: * December 2001 * * * 0. EDITORIAL NOTE * ISSN 1325-6467 * Edited by: 1. ABSTRACTS * * Alexei Gilchrist 2. CONFERENCES * \ | / * Physics, University of Queensland, 3. WANTED TO BUY/SELL * \__|__/ * QLD 4072, Australia. 4. SITUATIONS VACANT * | * email: alexei@physics.uq.edu.au 5. MISC NEWS * | * phone: +61 7 3365 2422 * | * fax: +61 7 3365 1242 Available on WWW at: * * http://www.physics.uq.edu.au/qonews =============================================================================== 0. EDITORIAL NOTE =============================================================================== All the best for Christmas! Alexei =============================================================================== 1. ABSTRACTS =============================================================================== Polarization Squeezing of Continuous Variable Stokes Parameters Warwick P. Bowen, Roman Schnabel, Hans -A. Bachor and Ping Koy Lam http://xxx.lanl.gov/abs/quant-ph/0110129 We report the first direct experimental characterization of continuous variable quantum Stokes parameters. We generate a continuous wave light beam with more than 3dB of simultaneous squeezing in three of the four Stokes parameters. The polarization squeezed beam is produced by mixing two quadrature squeezed beams on a polarizing beam splitter. Depending on the squeezed quadrature of these two beams the quantum uncertainty volume on the Poincare sphere became a `cigar' or `pancake'-like ellipsoid. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quantum Key Distribution using Quantum-Correlated Photon Sources P. J. Edwards, G. H. Pollard and W. N. Cheung Accepted by European Journal of Physics D Quantum key exchanges using weak coherent (Poissonian) single-photon sources are open to attack by a variety of eavesdropping techniques. Quantum-correlated photon sources provide a means of flagging potentially insecure multiple-photon emissions and thus extending the secure quantum key channel capacity and the secure key distribution range. We present indicative photon-counting statistics for a fully correlated Poissonian multibeam photon source in which the transmitted beam is conditioned by photon number measurements on the remaining beams with non-ideal multiphoton counters. We show that significant rejection of insecure photon pulses from a twin-beam source cannot be obtained with a detector having a realistic quantum efficiency. However quantum-correlated (quadruplet or octuplet) multiplet photon sources conditioned by high efficiency multiphoton counters could provide large improvements in the secure channel capacity and the secure distribution range of high loss systems such as those using the low earth orbit satellite links proposed for global quantum key distribution. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quantum algorithm for the Hilbert's tenth problem Tien D Kieu quant-ph/0110136 We propose a quantum algorithm for the classically non-computable Hilbert's tenth problem, which ultimately links to the Turing halting problem. Quantum continuous variables and quantum adiabatic evolution are employed for an implementation. Also discussed are a method for the time estimation for the adiabatic evolution, and a comparison with more the well-known quantum computation employing a finite number of qubits. Provided certain hamiltonian and its ground state can be physically constructed according to the algorithm, the notion of effective computability is extended beyond the Church-Turing thesis of classical computability. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hilbert's Incompleteness, Chaitin's $\Omega$ number and Quantum Physics Tien D Kieu quant-ph/0111062 To explore the limitation of a class of quantum algorithms originally proposed for the Hilbert's tenth problem, we consider two further classes of mathematically non-decidable problems, those of a modified version of the Hilbert's tenth problem and of the computation of the Chaitin's $\Omega$ number, which is a representation of the G\"odel's Incompletness theorem. Some interesting connection to Quantum Field Theory is pointed out. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A reformulation of the Hilbert's tenth problem through Quantum Mechanics Tien D Kieu quant-ph/0111063 Inspired by Quantum Mechanics, we reformulate the Hilbert's tenth problem in the domain of integer arithmetics into a problem involving a set of coupled differential equations. Analytical and numerical studies of the differential equations will either themselves settle and/or be of crucial assistance for some physical implementation of an adiabatic quantum algorithm to determine the existence of solutions for the particular Diophantine equation in question. Either way, Mathematics and Physics could be combined for the Hilbert's tenth problem and for the notion of effective computability. =============================================================================== 2. CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS =============================================================================== QICSS: Quantum Information and Computation Summer School 11 - 15 February 2002 The registration deadline is December 15, 2001. Brisbane, Australia http://www.physics.uq.edu.au/people/nielsen/qicss/index.html Quantum information and quantum computation is one of the most exciting and dynamic research areas of modern science. The aim of this summer school is to introduce undergraduates, postgraduates, and researchers in computer science, mathematics and physics to the basic notions of quantum information and quantum computation. Prior knowledge of computer science and quantum mechanics will not be assumed, however participants should have mathematical maturity at least the equal of a fourth year undergraduate in one or more of these disciplines. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bat-Sheva Seminar on Quantum Mechanics of Ultracold Matter and Quantum Information 17 - 22 February 2002 Ein Gedi, Israel http://www.weizmann.ac.il/conferences/qumran/ The Bat-sheva seminar on QUANTUM MECHANICS OF ULTRACOLD MATTER AND QUANTUM INFORMATION (QUMRAN) is a joint winter school and conference which brings together leading researchers with the goal of educating students/non-experts while functioning as a high level scientific conference. This meeting will be held in conjunction with FRISNO-7, the seventh French Israeli Conference on Non-linear Optics. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quantum Information: Quantum Entanglement 23 - 28 March 2002 Applications by 17 December 2001 San Feliu de Guixols, Spain http://www.esf.org/euresco This meeting aims at bringing together experts from various areas in the rapidly growing field of quantum information. This first conference will focus on the fundamental concept of quantum entanglement, which is at the heart of many tasks in quantum information processing. The main topics will include detection, characterization and quantification of entanglement, as well as its experimental creation and manipulation. The scope of this conference is to encourage and promote the interaction between leading figures in the field and young researchers in a friendly environment. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLEO/QELS 2002: Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics/Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference 19 - 24 May 2002 Long Beach, CA, USA http://www.osa.org/CLEO/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IQEC/LAT 2002: International Quantum Electronics Conference and International Conference on Lasers, Applications and Technologies 22-28 June 2002 Abstract and summary deadline 15 January 2002 Moscow, Russia http://www.ilc.msu.su/iqec2002/ The International Quantum Electronics Conference (IQEC) is the largest international conference featuring the fundamentals of quantum electronics, basic research in lasers, nonlinear and quantum optics, quantum information, and fundamental laser spectroscopy of atoms and condensed matter. IQEC 2002 is organized by the Russian Academy of Sciences and M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University under the aegis of the International Council on Quantum Electronics (ICQE). The Conference on Lasers, Applications, and Technologies (LAT) provides a forum for an update and review of a wide range of laser technologies and applications including laser device development, processing of advanced materials, optical information technologies, biomedicine and ecology applications. The meeting serves to stimulate the use of more mature optical technologies in different fields. LAT 2002 is organized by the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Industry, Science and Technology of the Russian Federation, and SPIE/Russia. ------------------------------------------------------------------- International Conference on Quantum Information 13th-18th July 2002 Deadline for abstract of contributed papers: March 15, 2002 Oviedo, Spain http://www.uniovi.es/Congresos/2001/QI/Welcome.html The main topics of the Conference will include * Quantum Information * Recent Theoretical and Experimental Progress in Quantum Information Processing * Quantum Computation * Conceptual Issues on the Foundations of Quantum Theory ------------------------------------------------------------------- QCM&C'02: Sixth International Conference on Quantum Communication, Measurement and Computing July 22-26, 2002 Massachusetts Institute of Technology http://rleweb.mit.edu/QCMC/ The previous meetings in this series, drew together researchers from many countries and covered topics in quantum information theory, theoretical and experimental aspects of quantum computing, quantum communication systems, cryptography, new quantum effects and their experimental realizations, generation detection and applications of nonclassical light, quantum noise, stochastic processes and filtering, and quantum measurement theory. These same topics will be covered at QCM&C'02. =============================================================================== 4. SITUATIONS VACANT =============================================================================== The Department of Physics at the Australian National University seeks three Postdoctoral Research Fellows to work in the area of Quantum Optics and Gravitational Wave Detection Research. Both research laboratories have fully funded research projects on the experimental implementation of quantum information processing, quantum communication, generation of optical entanglement, spatial squeezing, advanced interferometric measurements and application of squeezed light in gravitational wave detection. Successful applicants will play key roles in a group that provide a symbiotic and dynamic multi-disciplinary environment for optics research. Position #1 (Quantum Optics) Fixed term 11 months position starting immediately. Essential requirements: Extensive experience in nonlinear and quantum optics experiments, generation of squeezed light, quantum noise limited microscopy and the theory of multi-mode optical states. Position #2 (Quantum Information) Fixed term 2 year position with the possibility of extending to 5 years. Essential requirements: Strong background in quantum optics and quantum information processing. Experienced in the implementation of nonlinear and quantum optics experiments. Position #3 (Gravitational Wave Detection) Fixed term 2 year position with the possibility of extending to 3 years. Essential requirements: Experienced in the implementation of advanced interferometric measurement and nonlinear optics experiments. All candidates should possess a PhD in Physics (or be in the process of obtaining one) and have good experimental and communication skills. Salary of the appointments ranges from AUS$45,666 (Step 4 PDF) to $49,835 (Step 1 ARF). Applications for position #1 will be assessed on the 20th December 2001. Position #2 and #3 will be assessed on 20th January 2002 on an ongoing basis afterwards. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Postdoc positions available in quantum optics/ultra-cold atomic physics The Stamper-Kurn group at UC Berkeley has openings for two postdoctoral positions - one experimental and one theoretical -effective immediately. The experimentalist would work primarily on a new experimental effort with the twin goals of studying ultra-cold, magnetically trapped atomic gases using high-finesse optical cavities, and of using trapped atomic gases for studies of cavity QED and quantum information. Working on this project beginning in its early stages presents a special challenge, requiring creativity, organizational skills, and leadership, but also offers an opportunity to develop a broad range of skills towards a career as an independent researcher. A second experimental effort in the Stamper-Kurn group involves the creation and study of novel macroscopic quantum systems using ultra-cold atoms and Bose-Einstein condensates. There are no rigid barriers between the two projects, and thus it is expected that a capable postdoctoral fellow would be involved in both. The theoretical position is part of a collaboration between two theorists (Vazirani and Whaley at Berkeley), and two experimentalists (Weiss at Penn. State and Stamper-Kurn at Berkeley) concerned with the reliability, scalability, and complexity of quantum computation and its implementations. In particular, the Whaley and Stamper-Kurn groups are seeking a theorist with experience in one or more of the following areas: atomic and optical physics, quantum optics, large scale numerical simulations, and quantum information theory. The postdoc would be expected to interact closely with the aforementioned experimental project, and should have a demonstrated ability to do so. Projects of interest will address issues of decoherence, physical simulations, implementation of error correction and fault tolerance, architecture and algorithms. Note further that the ideal applicant for these positions need not be exclusively an experimentalist or a theorist, but may indeed combine the strengths of both. Interested candidates should contact Professor Dan M. Stamper-Kurn Department of Physics 366 LeConte Hall #7300 University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA Or email dmsk@socrates.berkeley.edu. Please send a CV, a list of publications, a brief statement of research interests, and a list of at least three references with phone/fax numbers and e-mail addresses. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. =============================================================================== 5. NEWS =============================================================================== Marconi Centenary Day (December 12) Launch of Single-Photon Quantum Cryptographic Communications Link between Telstra Tower and the University of Canberra Campus The University of Canberra will officially launch an experimental free-space QKD Link to Black Mountain Telstra Tower on December 12, the Centenary of Marconi's first Trans-Atlantic wireless transmission from Cornwall to Newfoundland. The link will be used as a testbed to trial high bit rate key distribution technologies in lossy turbulent conditions such as those expected when using low earth orbit satellites as key couriers. The link will be operated jointly by the University of Canberra, the Canberra Institute of Technology and University College (UNSW@ADFA) with funding from the Australian Research Council under an ARC Discovery Grant. The launch will be preceded by a Marconi Centenary Dinner, Public Lecture by Mr P Jensen, well-known Marconi author, and an afternoon of telecommunications-related research and teaching activities. Enquiries to: engineering@canberra.edu.au -------------------------------------------------------------------------------