The Department welcomes its newest member, Assistant Professor, Dr. Jason Kestner.

Dr. Kestner says of his research:
"Broadly speaking, I am interested in engineering useful physical devices that exploit the strange (but beautiful!) features of quantum mechanics. I am pursuing that interest via theoretical studies of ultracold atoms, ultracold polar molecules, and "artificial" atoms and molecules, i.e., quantum dot systems in solid state materials. My research on ultracold systems is motivated primarily by the prospect of building a versatile quantum simulator, while my research on quantum dots is motivated primarily by the prospect of quantum information processing with semiconductor spin qubits. In addition to these, I am always excited by opportunities to explore new applications of uniquely quantum behavior."

Dr. Raymond Hoff has been awarded the 2012 NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal.

This is NASA's highest form of recognition that is awarded to a Government employee who, by distinguished service, ability, or vision has personally contributed to NASA's advancement of United States' interests. The individual's achievement or contribution must demonstrate a level of excellence that has made a profound or indelible impact on NASA mission success, and therefore, the contribution is so extraordinary that other forms of recognition by NASA would be inadequate.

The entire ceremony can be watched on NASA's YouTube channel. Introduction to the Distinguished Service Medals starts at 28:00 minutes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA3rOlwOfzY&feature=BFa&list=UULA_DiR1FfKNvjuUpBHmylQ

UMBC fellow makes breakthrough in 'ghost imaging'
Quantum camera a sophisticated new way of taking pictures

Sanjit Karmakar, a post-doctoral physics fellow at UMBC is doing research in "ghost imaging" using a quantum camera and sunlight
July 13, 2012 | By Jonathan Pitts, The Baltimore Sun

Visit the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County on any cloudless afternoon, and you're likely to happen on an intriguing sight: a slender fellow bent over a contraption that looks like a cross between an 1890s camera and a bulky steamer trunk.

That would be Sanjit Karmakar, a post-doctoral physics fellow who's using his "magic box" to take pictures by following the sun across the sky. One day, the pictures will be of objects thousands of miles away.

TO READ ARTICLE IN ITS ENTIRETY –
http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/maryland-health/bs-hs-physics-ghost-imaging-20120713,0,1108375.story