The Department of Physics invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position with a research focus in nanoscale physics phenomena to begin in July 2012. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: nanomaterials, molecular electronics, nanoscale systems in biophysics and materials and devices related to sensors or energy conversion. We are primarily interested in a theorist but as this is the first of two to three planned hires in these areas over the next few years we will consider applications from experimental candidates whose fields present a good match to our needs and strengths. We seek candidates who have the capacity to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program. The appointment is expected to broaden and complement existing research programs in surface physics, atomic and molecular layer deposition, nanostructured materials, terahertz optics and organic nonlinear optical materials. A PhD in Physics or in a closely related field and the ability to teach effectively in both the undergraduate and graduate physics curricula are required. Postdoctoral experience is desirable and start-up funds are available. The department currently consists of 16 tenure-track and 15 research faculty, 46 graduate students and 120 undergraduate majors. The department offers a BS and BA in Physics, and both MS and PhD degrees in Applied Physics and in Atmospheric Physics. Research expenditures currently exceed $6M per year. (For more information see: http://physics.umbc.edu).

Please submit an application letter, a CV, and detailed research and teaching plans and the names and addresses of at least three references to Prof. Theodosia Gougousi, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Physics, UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore MD 21250. The selection process will begin November 1, 2011 and will continue until the position is filled. The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service. UMBC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Molecular vibrations are resonant with electromagnetic radiation in the infrared (IR) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (0-100THz) making vibrational spectroscopy a very powerful tool for identifying complex molecular compounds, ranging from proteins to explosives. However, the photon energy of IR radiation is often too small to detect using standard room temperature semi-conductor devices. In addition, far-IR radiation (0-10THz) overlaps with the radiation of a blackbody at room temperature, making spectral separation from the thermal background difficult. For this reason, current IR detection technology often utilizes cryogenically cooled detectors, which in addition to being very expensive are not easily portable, making field and/or clinical applications very difficult. In this talk, I will be discussing new techniques for detecting infrared radiation using standard semi-conductor technology by utilizing non-linear optical methods. This new technology may lead to low-cost, portable detection tools for research, clinical, and security applications.

Location: Physics Bldg., Room 401

In this talk, we will present the recent efforts at NIST on the single photon frequency upconversion technique and its applications in quantum information research.

Silicon-based single photon detectors (Si-APDs) are high efficiency and low noise detectors for visible and near visible wavelengths, but do not work at the near infrared (NIR) wavelength range where the important telecom bands (mainly 1310 and 1550 nm) are. The performance of InGaAs based detectors for NIR photons needs to be improved. Upconversion detectors provide a good alternative, in which the NIR photons are converted to visible first and then detected by a Si-APD.

The single photon upconversion technique is based on the sum frequency generation (SFG) in nonlinear optics. A few years ago, NIST adapted the optical frequency upconversion technique to develop single photon detectors for the illusive NIR photons and used the detectors in a fiber-based high speed quantum key distribution (QKD) system. Since then, the devices have been significantly improved. In the recent years, the team’s effort is focused on the applications of the up-conversion technique in quantum information research. We will briefly introduce the applications in the research areas including the QKD system, the ultra sensitive NIR spectrometer, the entangled photon source, quantum dots, and higher-order NIR photon temporal correlations. A multiple wavelength pump technique for increasing system date rates beyond the initial limitation will be mentioned. We will also point out some potential applications of the upconversion technique in future quantum information systems.

Location: Physics Bldg., Room 401

This talk sketches a program towards giving a physically realist model of the photon in terms of properties of the electromagnetic field. It is both shown how to rework traditional wave and particle concepts so as to have a unified concept and how parallel electromagnetic fields can be associated with each charged particle. An account of both light propagation and of interactions with matter is sketched. A suggestion, utilizing advanced waves, is made as to how the account may be able to explain EPR correlations in the case of polarization entanglement. A possible empirical test, using a pockels cell with a fast driver is also discussed.

Location: Physics Bldg., Room 401