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.
I have been working on a compact, high-quality source of entangled photons in collaboration with the Paul Kwiat's group at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I just returned from the sabbatical with Andrew White's group at the University of Queensland where I contributed to several experiments involving quantum computation, complementarity, and weak values.
In my lab, we have been working on a student initiated laser cooling and trapping experiment.I am also interested in 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.
I am trying to finish 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.
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.
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