My primary research interest is experimental quantum optics. Some specific examples are the construction of sources of bright high-quality entangled photons, implementing linear optical quantum computing protocols, testing the Leggett-Garg Inequality, and testing complementarity at the single photon level. I am also interested in theoretical nonlinear dynamics and quantum chaos, specifically as it relates to the classical-quantum transition.
Optics
In my lab, students can work on several different projects. Currently a group is collecting data on the power loss from reflective diffraction gratings due to resonant surface plasmon excitation. This is an ongoing project and is a good “introduction to the lab” project.
Once students have developed their experimental skills they can move on to experimenting with polarization entangled photons at the single photon level.
Those students with an electronics background/interest can work on an aurora detector that needs an electronics overhaul/redesign.
I also have an ongoing collaboration with Paul Kwiat’s group at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I have also spent two sabbaticals at Prof. Kwiat’s lab and at Prof. Andrew White’s group at the University of Queensland. I help Paul mostly with QKD projects and entangled photon sources and I help Andrew with quantum computation, complementarity, and weak values. An article for a general audience that describes some of the latter work can be found here: https://www.quantamagazine.org/20160119-time-entanglement/
Nonlinear Dynamics
Past students have worked on calculating distributions of “short-time Lyapunov exponents.” Yes, this is an oxymoron, but it is the most succinct way of describing the short-time exponential divergence of trajectories. By adjusting the time over which a “Lyapunov exponent” is calculated, we gain more detailed information about the sensitivity of the system on different time scales.
Classical – Quantum Transition
I have a project that involves a calculation of level curves of the Wigner distribution function for the square barrier potential. This should give some insight to semiclassical tunneling.
Interested?
If any of this sounds interesting, and you are a student at Truman State, stop by my office sometime and we can discuss your interests.
Go to:
Truman Physics Department Home Page
School of Science and Math Home Page