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Mid-year intake

Modern problems in theoretical physics are wide-ranging.  Within our group we focus on topics ranging from ultra-cold atoms to genetics, computational science, quantum information, condensed matter and the foundations of quantum mechanics.  Many are linked to SUT experimental work.


Nature Physics 3, 469 (2007).  This is the first published evidence for universality, comparing different strongly-interacting Fermi gases.

Ultracold Fermi gases

Our research programme is motivated by the rapid experimental developments in degenerate Fermi gases.  These systems are controlled at an unprecedented level and are well-described by quantum many-body models. The programme involves themes designed to develop fundamental knowledge of the underlying physics, and to provide theoretical guidance to experiments at Swinburne University. Specific topics include:

  • Quantitative strong-coupling theory of ultracold Fermi gases,
  • Phase-space methods for multi-mode Fermion systems,
  • Exotic phases in imbalanced or multi-species Fermi gases,
  • Entanglement, correlations, and coherent manipulations of ultra-cold Fermi gases, and
  • Dipolar molecular Fermi gases.

Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

The well-known 1935 paper of Einstein et al. (EPR) led to the famous Bell theorem, which rules out local realism -- a result that has been called "the most profound discovery of Science".  The Schrödinger cat paradox raises an even more important issue -- how to reconcile quantum realities with classical realities at the macroscopic level.  Specific research topics include:
  • The Bell and EPR paradox in macroscopic systems,
  • Signatures of macroscopic superpositions and entanglement.

Spin-EPR proosal accepted by Rev. Mod. Phys.

Colliding BEC quantum dynamics: Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 120402 (2007).  (Editor's Suggestion)

Bose-Einstein Condensates and Atom Lasers

Atom lasers, or Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) exist at temperatures below one nano-Kelvin -- a billion times colder than interstellar space.  The bosonic atoms occupy an identical quantum state, so BECs are quantum systems on a macroscopic scale, with atoms behaving as waves but having particle-like qualities when detected.  High-precision interferometry applications are being studied experimentally at Swinburne University.  Theory projects on the quantum noise properties of BECs are:

  • Quantum Brownian motion of impurities inside a BEC, and
  • Dephasing, decoherence and entanglement effects in BEC interferometry.

Phase-space methods

We are developing new algorithms based on phase-space representations for simulating quantum and classical many-body systems.  As a cross-disciplinary application, mathematical genetics is one of the most rapidly growing fields of science, bridging the gap between theoretical physics and biology.  New gene sequencing technology is unleashing floods of new genetic data in many areas, requiring sophisticated models to understand and analyse genetic drift and genetic correlations.  Our research focuses on viral evolution and genetics.

 

Quantum memory proposal: Phys. Rev. A 79, 022310 (2009).

Quantum Information

Quantum information is the study of how to apply quantum mechanics in the development of new technologies. We are interested in quantum memories, as an enabling technology for many areas of quantum information. A quantum memory is able to store a quantum state indefinitely, to be read out on demand. Possible quantum memory devices range from cold atoms to superconducting circuits and nano-oscillators.