Quantum keys and traps, and gravitational waves: physics in October

AIP President’s blog, Australian Institute of Physics, Bulletins
Quantum keys and traps, and gravitational waves: physics in October post image

Posted on behalf of Rob Robinson, President of the Australian Institute of Physics.

Secret keys hidden in beams of light used to guarantee secure communication are part of the new age of quantum technology. I’m pleased to announce that commercialising quantum key distribution through their company QuintessenceLabs has won the team of Ping Koy Lam, T. C. Ralph and Thomas Symul the AIP’s Alan Walsh Medal for Service to Industry.

The medal will be presented along with other AIP medals and awards at our Congress in Canberra in December, where there you can hear more about exploring the quantum world from our high-profile guest speakers.

One of these guests is French physicist Serge Haroche, who won a Nobel Prize in 2012 for trapping photons between superconducting mirrors. You can read more about his work below.

You can also learn about quantum physics with a series of YouTube videos from UNSW physicist Andrea Morello, who last year won the Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year at the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science.

Our 2014 Women in Physics lecturer Sheila Rowan, director of the Institute for Gravitational Research at the University of Glasgow, arrives this month. She’s kicking off her national tour with public and school talks in Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT. With the dust settling on claims of primordial gravitation wave discovery, now is a good time to hear about experiments to directly detect these ripples in space-time.

Preparations continue for the International Year of Light in 2015, with another briefing event planned for next Monday in Melbourne. We’ve already had great discussions at events in Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra, so it’s worth coming along if you want to be involved.

Another highly anticipated AIP event is next month’s NSW Physics in Industry Day, which this year will have the all-encompassing theme of ‘Physics of the Mind’. There is sure to be lively discussion from many different perspectives, and the event will be covered by ABC TV’s Big Ideas program—so register now.

Please note that replies to this email go to Science in Public, who send the bulletin out for me. You can contact me directly on aip_president@aip.org.au, and there is a comprehensive list of contact details at the end of the bulletin.

Regards,

Rob

Rob Robinson
President, Australian Institute of Physics
aip_president@aip.org.au

In this issue…

AIP member news

AIP Congress speaker Serge Haroche

Serge HarocheFrench physicist and Nobel laureate Serge Haroche is one of the high-profile speakers lined up for this year’s AIP Congress (7–11 December in Canberra).

Serge’s trapping of photons in a high-Q cavity made from superconducting mirrors earned him the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics, along with America atom-trapper David Wineland.

His other achievements include the observation of quantum decoherence, in which an atom in a quantum superposition (à la Schrödinger’s cat), collapses into a single state, and entangling atoms and photons to perform quantum logic operations.

Registrations to see Serge and other speakers at the Congress are now open at aip2014.org.au.

Ripples from the dark side of the Universe

Sheila RowanSheila Rowan from the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom is the 2014 AIP Women in Physics Lecturer. Over the next two months, she’ll give public and school talks around the country about experiments to detect gravitational waves.

Gravitational waves are amongst the most elusive signals from our Universe reaching the earth: “ripples in the curvature of space-time”. The information carried by these signals will give us new insight into the hearts of some of the most violent events in the Cosmos – from black holes to the beginning of the Universe.

A global network of gravitational wave detectors – including the UK-German GEO600 detector, the US LIGO detector project, the French-Italian Virgo detector project and the Japanese detector KAGRA – is now reaching the final stages of construction, with first data expected in 2015.

As director of the Institute for Gravitational Research in the School of Physics and Astronomy in the University of Glasgow, Sheila will discuss the nature of gravitational waves, how the detectors work and what the data from the detectors can tell us about the Universe we inhabit.

The AIP International Women in Physics Lecture Series is one of our annual highlights, intended to spread to a non-specialist audience awareness of research and the possibilities offered by studying physics.

Dates and locations for Sheila Rowan’s school and public lectures in Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and WA can be seen in our event list below.

Lectures in NSW, SA and Queensland will be confirmed shortly—watch the AIP events calendar for updates.

Other physics news

Quantum videos on the web

Andrea Morello: Bird Navigation - The Quantum Around YouAndrea Morello of the University of New South Wales stars in a new YouTube series, “The Quantum Around You”.

These videos show where quantum mechanics can be seen at work in the everyday world around us. Topics covered so far include magnetism and how birds are thought to navigate for annual migrations.

Last year Andrea was awarded the Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year in the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, for his work making quantum computing a reality.

Now, however, he’s seeking to demystify quantum phenomena, with his videos aimed at high school students and the general public.

A new video is uploaded every Tuesday, and the full playlist can be found on YouTube.

Summer School precedes Congress

In the week before the AIP Congress, the ANU will host the 23rd Canberra International Physics Summer School for graduate and undergraduate students from Australia and New Zealand (1–5 December 2014).

This year’s theme is “Frontiers in Physics”, covering current research topics in both fundamental theory and prospective technology and applications. These include:

  • quantum many body systems—miracles of heavy-ion fusion
  • quantum entanglement—reality or paradox?
  • nanomaterials—why does the matter behave differently at nanoscales?
  • mathematical physics—”monster waves” behind mathematical equations
  • non-linear physics—how to make an invisibility cloak
  • fusion plasma physics—creating a star on Earth.

In addition to the regular lectures there will be a few keynote lectures by distinguished speakers on topics of general importance in physics and science. Physics lab tours will also be organised. Student travel and living scholarships will be available.

For more information, see cpss.anu.edu.au/2014.

AIP events

The Art of Physics, 2014 AIP Congress
7–11 Dec 2014
ANU, Canberra

Join the International Year of Light in Australia

Mon 13 Oct, 5.30 pm
Level 1, The Crossbar Building, Federation Square, Melbourne

Stakeholder event

Hear about plans for the International Year of Light in Australia and how your organisation can use and participate in the Year.

Physics in Industry Day: Physics of the Mind

Thu 6 Nov
CSIRO, 36 Bradfield Road, Lindfield West, NSW

All-day seminars

This year we consider a topic that arguably underpins every imaginable industry: understanding the mind. This annual event will be covered by ABC TV’s Big Ideas.

More events below

News in brief

Female physicists worldwide fight sexist stereotypes

Perspectives from the International Conference on Women in Physics.

Grants for National Science Week

A total of $500,000 is available for innovative ideas to engage new audiences.

Nuclear spins used in electronics

Researchers from University of Queensland show that electric current in organic LEDs can be controlled by nuclear spins.

Distant galaxies measure electromagnetic constants

Swinburne University astronomers look back over 10 billion years to find the electromagnetic force hasn’t changed.

Newton’s alchemical heritage

Was Sir Isaac Newton the last great magician?

Dwarf galaxy with a supermassive black hole

Australian astronomers help discover the smallest galaxy known to harbour a supermassive black hole.

Experiment tests quantum contradictions

Macquarie University researchers use wave-particle duality to find that things can either be real or certain, but not both.

Intergalactic breath test for fundamental ratio

Astronomers at the University of Tasmania check whether the proton-electron mass ratio is constant using radio waves from distant methanol.

Supersensitive light detector from graphene

Monash University’s Michael Fuhrer describes how to find uses for new materials.

Monster galaxies grow through cannibalism

Australian astronomers find that massive galaxies grow by eating their smaller neighbours, instead of making their own stars.

Revolutionising clocks in 60 seconds

Griffith University’s Erik Streed explains single-atom clocks as part of the Know More in Sixty Seconds video series.

Clouds of water ice seen on brown dwarf

UNSW astrophysicist part of team that found first evidence of water ice clouds on an object outside our Solar System.

Making holes that distinguish circular polarisation

Researchers at Macquarie University use structured light to induce circular dichroism.

Events

AIP event denotes AIP events

ACT

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Thu, 23 Oct 2014
TBC
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—public lecture

Brian Cox – Making Sense of the Cosmos
Fri, 24 Oct 2014, 7pm
Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre Canberra
Public lecture

NSW

PULSE@Parkes Observing Session
Tue, 14 Oct 2014, 11am
Parkes Radio Telescope, Newell Hwy (20 km north of Parkes)
For students and teachers

Brian Cox – Making Sense of the Cosmos
Wed, 22 Oct 2014, 7pm
State Theatre, Sydney
Public lecture

Science Teacher Workshop: Physics
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
School of Physics, Physics Rd, Camperdown Campus, University of Sydney
For teachers

AIP event Physics in Industry Day: Physics of the Mind
Thu, 6 Nov 2014, 9am
CSIRO, 36 Bradfield Road, Lindfield West NSW 2070
All-day seminars

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Wed, 12 Nov 2014, time TBC
North Sydney Girls High School, 365 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—for students

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Wed, 12 Nov 2014, time TBC
PLC Burwood
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—for students

Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Fri, 14 Nov 2014, time TBC
St Mary Star of the Sea College, 15 Harbour St, Wollongong
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—for students

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Fri, 14 Nov 2014, time TBC
Wollongong Science Centre, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—public lecture

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Sat, 15 Nov 2014, time TBC
Sydney Observatory, Watson Road, Observatory Hill, Millers Point
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—public lecture

AIP event Postgraduate Awards Day
Tue, 18 Nov 2014, 2pm
Slade Lecture Theatre, University of Sydney
For postgraduate students

AIP event Ragbir Bhathal: Some aspects of 40 000 years of Aboriginal astronomy
Tue, 18 Nov 2014, 6:35pm
Slade Lecture Theatre, University of Sydney
Public lecture

QLD

365.25 Days of Science: A fun look at the science of 2014
Mon, 13 Oct 2014, 7:30pm
The Edge, State Library of Queensland, South Brisbane
Public panel discussion

Journey Through the Cosmos with Brian Cox and the QSO
Thu, 6 Nov 2014
QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
Public lectures and music

SA

Brian Cox – Making Sense of the Cosmos
Tue, 14 Oct 2014, 7pm
Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Public lecture

TAS

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Mon, 20 Oct 2014, 9am
Don College, Watkinson St, Devonport
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—for students

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Mon, 20 Oct 2014, 1:30pm
Launceston College, 107-119 Paterson St, Launceston
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—for students

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Tue, 21 Oct 2014, 11am
Elizabeth College, 256 Elizabeth Street, Hobart
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—for students

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Tue, 21 Oct 2014, 8pm
Physics Lecture Theatre 1, Sandy Bay Campus, University of Tasmania
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—public lecture

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Wed, 22 Oct 2014, 10am
Friends’ School, Argyle St, Hobart
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—for students

PHYSCON: Conference for Teachers of Science & Physics – Years 7 to 12
Fri, 21 Nov 2014, 9am
Department of Physics, University of Tasmania, Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay
For teachers

VIC

AIP event Join the International Year of Light in Australia
Mon, 13 Oct 2014, 5:30pm
Level 1, The Crossbar Building, Federation Square (Corner Swanston and Flinders Streets) Melbourne
Public event

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Wed, 15 Oct 2014, 11am
Churchill Campus, Federation University, Northways Rd, Churchill
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—for students

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Wed, 15 Oct 2014, 2:30pm
Nossal High School, 100 Clyde Rd, Berwick
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—for students

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Thu, 16 Oct 2014, 11am
MacRobertson Girls’ High School, 350 Kingsway, Melbourne
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—for students

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Fri, 17 Oct 2014, 9:15am
Melbourne Girls’ College, Yarra Boulevard, Richmond
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—for students

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Fri, 17 Oct 2014, 6:30pm
ATC101, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—public lecture

Brian Cox – Making Sense of the Cosmos
Sat, 18 Oct 2014, 7pm
The Plenary, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Public lecture

Victorian Young Physicists’ Tournament
Tue, 2 Dec 2014
Quantum Victoria, 235 Kingsbury Drive, Macleod West
For students

WA

Brian Cox – Making Sense of the Cosmos
Thu, 16 Oct 2014, 7pm
Riverside Theatre, Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre
Public lecture

AIP event Sheila Rowan: The search for gravitational waves – Ripples from the dark side of the Universe
Mon, 10 Nov 2014, 5:30pm
Ross Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, University of Western Australia
AIP Women in Physics lecture tour—public lecture

AGM Dinner & Guest Speaker
Wed, 19 Nov 2014, 5:30pm
UWA Club, Formal Dining Room, University of Western Australia
Annual general meeting

Conferences

VASCAA-7: 7th Vacuum and Surface Sciences Conference of Asia and Australia
5–9 October 2014, Hsinchu, Taiwan

MEDSI 2014 – Mechanical Engineering Design of Synchrotron Radiation Equipment and Instrumentation
20–24 October 2014, Hilton on the Park, Melbourne

2014 Australasian Radiation Protection Society Conference
26–29 Oct 2014, Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, Tas

XRM2014 — 12th International Conference on X-ray Microscopy
26–31 October 2014, Melbourne, Vic

ANSTO-AINSE Neutron School Neutron Scattering for Soft Matter
3–7 November 2014, ANSTO, Lucas Heights, NSW

NEW Science Teacher Workshop: Physics
3–4 November 2014, University of Sydney, NSW

The Periphery of Disks
3–6 Nov 2014, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, NSW

New User Symposium: Synchrotron, Accelerator and Neutron techniques 2014
19 November 2014, Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, Vic

Australian Synchrotron User Meeting 2014
20–21 November 2014, Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, Vic

NEW PHYSCON: Conference for Teachers of Science & Physics – Years 7 to 12
21 November 2014, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Tas

IONS-KOALA 2014 Conference on Optics/Photonics, Laser Applications and Atomic/Quantum Physics
23–28 November 2014, The University of Adelaide, SA

NEW STAVCON: Annual conference of the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria
28 November 2014, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic

NEW Frontiers in Physics: 23rd Canberra International Physics Summer School
1–5 December 2014, Australian National University, ACT

OSA Optics and Photonics Congress on Light, Energy and the Environment
2–5 December 2014, Australian National University, ACT

AIP Congress – The Art of Physics
7–11 December 2014, Australian National University, ACT

Annual Condensed Matter and Materials Meeting (“Wagga 2015”)
3–6 Feb 2015, Wagga Wagga campus of the Charles Sturt University, NSW

AMN7 Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology
8–12 February 2015, The Rutherford Hotel, Nelson, New Zealand

The Most Massive Galaxies and their Precursors
9–12 February 2015, Luna Park, Sydney, NSW

Physics Teachers Conference
20 February 2015, Monash University, Clayton, Vic

NEW Astronomy from the Ground Up Teacher Workshop
15–17 May 2015, Parkes Radio Telescope, NSW

NEW VIII Southern Cross Conference Series: Multiwavelength dissection of galaxies
18–22 May 2015, Sydney, NSW

AOCNS 2015 – 2nd Asia-Oceania Conference on Neutron Scattering
19–23 July 2015, Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific, Manly, NSW

NEW Conference on Laser Ablation (COLA) 2015
31 August – 4 September 2015, Pullman Cairns International Hotel, Cairns, Qld

Contributions and contact details

Please get in contact if you have any queries about physics in Australia:

  • Rob Robinson, AIP President  aip_president@aip.org.au
  • the AIP website is www.aip.org.au
  • membership enquiries to the Secretariat aip@aip.org.au or 03 9895 4477
  • ideas for articles for Australian Physics to the Chair of the Editorial Board and Acting Editor Brian James, on b.james@physics.usyd.edu.au, or the editorial board, which is listed in your latest copy of the magazine
  • contributions to the bulletin (e.g. activities, conferences and announcements) to Chris Lassig from Science in Public on chris@scienceinpublic.com.au or call (03) 9398 1416, by the 23rd of the month prior
  • the AIP Events Calendar to check what’s on, and also to submit your own physics-related events (any queries to Chris, as above)
  • to receive these bulletins, please email Chris, as above (you don’t need to be a member of the Institute).

(Sent by Niall Byrne, Science in Public, on behalf of the Australian Institute of Physics, www.aip.org.au)