************************************ * QUANTUM OPTICS AND ATOM OPTICS * * IN AUSTRALASIA * * * * * * * * MONTHLY NEWSLETTER * * VOL V, NO 1 * * * * January 1997 * * * * ISSN 1325-6467 * * * Edited by: Murray Hamilton * \ | / * Physics, University of Adelaide, * \__|__/ * SA 5005, Australia. * | * email: mwh@physics.adelaide.edu.au Available on WWW at: * | * phone: +61 8 8303 5322 http://www.anu.edu.au * | * fax: +61 8 8232 6541 /Physics/newsletter * * ___________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENTS 1. ABSTRACTS 2. CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS 3. WANTED TO BUY/SELL 4. SITUATIONS VACANT ______________________________________________________________________________ ___________________ 1. ABSTRACTS TITLE: Theory of Input and Output of Atoms from an Atomic Trap AUTHORS: J. J. Hope ADDRESS: Department of Physics and Theoretical Physics, ANU EMAIL: Joseph.Hope@anu.edu.au JOURNAL: Phys.Rev A STATUS: submitted as a rapid communication ABSTRACT: We consider the interaction between a single mode atomic trap and a set of external modes which are decribed by a continuum of eigenstates. This theory is designed to model output coupling from current and proposed BEC experiments and proposed models for atom lasers. This work generalises the optical input/output formalism\cite{Collett84}. _______________________________________________________________________________ TITLE: Spontaneous photon emission stimulated by two Bose condensates AUTHORS: C.M. Savage, Janne Ruostekoski, and Dan F. Walls ADDRESS: Department of Physics, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand EMAIL: craig.savage@anu.edu.au JOURNAL: Phys. Rev. A STATUS: submitted ABSTRACT: We show that the optical spontaneous emission rate in the presence of two ground state Bose-Einstein condensates depends on their phase difference. This provides an optical method for detecting the condensate phase difference. It differs from previous methods in that no light fields are applied. Instead excited atoms may make a transition into either condensate. When the two possible final states are indistinguishable interference terms appear in the transition probability. These depend on the condensate phase difference. For spatially separated condensates we propose ``which-path'' experiments on the emitted light. ______________________________________________________________________________ TITLE: Optimal quantum measurements for phase--shift estimation in optical interferometry AUTHORS: B. C. Sanders$^1$, G. J. Milburn$^2$ and Z. Zhang$^2$ ADDRESS: $^1$ School of Mathematics, Physics, Computing and Electronics, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, AustraliA $^2$ Department of Physics, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia JOURNAL: Journal of Modern Optics STATUS: Submitted ABSTRACT: Quantum information theory, applied to optical interferometry, yields a $1/n$ scaling of phase uncertainty~$\Delta \phi$ {\em independent} of the applied phase shift~$\phi$, where $n$ is the number of photons in the interferometer. This $1/n$ scaling is achieved provided that the output state is subjected to an optimal phase measurement. We establish this scaling law for both passive (linear) and active (nonlinear) interferometers and identify the coefficient of proportionality. Whereas a highly nonclassical state is required to achieve optimal scaling for passive interferometry, a classical input state yields a~$1/n$ scaling of phase uncertainty for active interferometry. _________________________________________________________________________ >Quantum-correlated light from transverse junction stripe laser diodes > >Yong-qing Li (1), Paul J Edwards (1), Peter Lynam (2) and Wood N Cheung (1) >1: Advanced telecommunications research centre, University of Canberra, >Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering, University of Canberra, PO >Box 1, Belconnen ACT 2616. >2: School of Physics, University College, University of New South Wales, >ADFA, ACT 2600. > >International Journal of Optoelectronics, 1995, 10, 5, pp 417-421. > >Abstract > >We report on the generation of quantum-correlated light beams emitted from a >pair of electrically coupled transverse junction stripe (TJS) laser diodes. >We also report the measurement of sub-shot noise (' quiet') light emitted by >each of these laser diodes when driven from a high impedance low noise >current source. The measured cross-correlation coefficients between the the >intensity fluctuations in the two beams and the measured noise reduction of >3dB below the normal shot noise level are both consistent with the measured >quantum transfer efficiencies of approximately 50%. These measurements show >that TJS laser diodes provide another method (in addition to the use of >optical parametric oscillators and electrically coupled light emitting >diodes) for generating twin light beams with intensity difference >fluctuations below the normal shot noise level. Potential applications >include low noise spectroscopy and interferometry. ______________________________________________________________________________ ******************************************************************************* 2. CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS --------------------------- BECW97 Workshop on Bose-Einstein condensation. Auckland, February 11-12, 1997. Various aspects of Bose-Einstein condensation will be discussed. Further information and Registration form: http://lip.phy.auckland.ac.nz/QO_home/Conferences/BECW97Ann _______________________________________________________________________________ THE 11th CONFERENCE OF AUSTRALIAN OPTICAL SOCIETY THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE, 10 - 12 DEC. 1997 This now has a web page. - go to http://bragg.physics.adelaide.edu.au/~mwh/qiproc.html _______________________________________________________________________________ WORKSHOP ON QUANTUM COHERENCE AND INFORMATION PROCESSING ADELAIDE DECEMBER 1997 This now has a web page. - go to http://bragg.physics.adelaide.edu.au/~mwh/aosmeet.html =============================================== IV Workshop Optics and Interferometry with Atoms 21st - 23rd July 1997 St. John's College, Oxford, England. Chairman: Prof. K. Burnett =============================================== Confirmed invited speakers include D. Pritchard (MIT), P.Hannaford (CSIRO), M.Kasevich (Stanford), J. Helmcke (PTB), J. Dalibard (ENS). The workshop will cover all topics relating to optics and interferometry with atoms including atom optics, Bose-Einstein condensation, lithography and optical lattices Presentations in oral and poster format are invited from the participants. The deadline for registration is 1st May 1997 and abstracts (which should be no longer than two sides of A4) should also be submitted by 1st May 1997. ======================================================================= If you require further information, including an application form then you may reply to this email address (atopt@mildred.physics.ox.ac.uk) with an email entitled "application form". ======================================================================= The application form and further details can also be found at our www site: http://eve.physics.ox.ac.uk/Confer/atopt/home.html ****************************************************************************** 3. WANTED TO BUY We are presently rationalising our research facilities, and, as a result we are offering for sale the following lasers: a. Lambda Physik excimer laser, model LPX 205i, built December 1993. The laser is currently configured to operate at 308nm, and is matched ideally to pump the LPD dye laser. b. Lambda Physik excimer laser, model Compex 102, built November 1994. The laser is configured to operate at 193 and 244nm, but could be easily converted to operate at 308nm, to pump the LPD dye laser. c. Lambda Physik dye laser, model LPD 3002 CES, built March 1993. The laser has an etalon for narrow linewidth operation, and includes a (non standard) frequency doubling crystal. d. Spectra Physics argon laser, model 2080, built 1992. The laser has a brand new tube, and comes with single line and multi line optics. Notes: 1. All lasers are in excellent condition, and have been maintained by Lambda Physik or Spectra Physics technicians as appropriate. Service and operation log books, manuals, and standard parts and maintenance kits are available for all lasers. 2. We wish to sell either one of the excimer lasers, but not both. If you are interested in purchasing any of the above lasers, or would like to obtain further information please contact me by e-mail, fax or phone. Peter Krug *--------------------------------------------------------------* | Dr. Peter A. Krug | | Senior Research Scientist | | _ /\ | | Australian Photonics CRC _| |_/ \ | | Optical Fibre Technology Centre / \ | | 101 National Innovation Centre / \ | | Australian Technology Park | ___ > | | Eveleigh N.S.W. 1430 \___/ \ */ OFTC | | Australia \__/ | | \/ | | Ph.: +61-2-9351 1921 | | Fax: +61-2-9351 1910 | | E-mail: p.krug@oftc.usyd.edu.au | *--------------------------------------------------------------* ______________________________________________________________________________ Anyone knowing the whereabouts of an amplifier plug-in for a Tektronix 7000 series 'scope which might be for sale please contact the editor. We are interested in a dual channel plug-in with 1MegOhm input impedance and bandwidth around 100MHz (Still looking! ed.) ****************************************************************************** 4. SITUATIONS VACANT MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS, PHYSICS, COMPUTING AND ELECTRONICS RESEARCH FELLOW IN PHYSICS REF: 17762 The appointee will work on an ARC funded project to study the quantum statistics of ultracold atoms in an optical lattice. Applicants must have a PhD in theoretical physics. Preference will be given to applicants with a background in quantum or atom optics,experience with computer simulation, knowledge of many-body quantum statistics and laser cooling of atoms. ENQUIRIES: Dr Weiping Zhang on +61 (02) 9850 8951, fax +61 (02) 9850 8115 or email: weiping@mpce.mq.edu.au The position is available from 1 April 1997 for a fixed term of two years. SALARY RANGE: Level A A$30,130 to A$40,889 per annum. CLOSING DATE: 1 February 1997. GENERAL: Applications including full curriculum vitae and quoting the reference number, visa status, and the names and addresses of three referees should be forwarded to the Recruitment Manager, Personnel Office,Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia by the closing date. Applications will not be acknowledged unless specifically requested. Women are particularly encouraged to apply. Equal Employment Opportunity and No Smoking in the Workplace are University Policies. _______________________________________________________________________________ Dear Colleague, I will have a position available for a postdoctoral fellow in the coming year, to work on experiments in laser cooling and atom optics. The particular goals of the project will involve studying the interactions between laser-cooled rubidium atoms and dipole-force potential barriers formed by intense, focussed laser beams shaped via acousto-optical modulation. More details can be found at http://www.physics.toronto.edu/department/faculty/steinberg.html, or by contacting me at the address given below. If you know of any students who might be interested in working on this project, I will be very grateful if you bring this possibility to their attention. Thank you in advance, Aephraim M. Steinberg Department of Physics University of Toronto Toronto, ON M5S 1A7 Canada +1 (416) 978-0713 fax 416 978-2537 email: aephraim@physics.utoronto.ca The end. Happy New Year Folks!