A  PhD (graduate) course on the state of the art in quantum measurement and the detection of weak signals in various area of physics. The course is part of the education activities of the Casimir Research School Delft-Leiden.

Lecturers

prof.dr. M. Orrit, dr. S. Rogge, dr.ir. T.H. Oosterkamp.

Subjects
The detection of weak signals is an important aspect of modern physics at large. Ultimate limits to these detections are set by the quantum nature of matter, of light and of charge. The course aims at a discussion of these limits as they are encountered in experiments, in various domains of physics. The resulting discussion of the frontiers of measurement will be divided in three blocks, each one with a different lecturer. The first block deals with interferometric methods for the detection of weak signals, with an emphasis on photodetection. In the second block the central topic is charge detection, where various types of amplifiers are required. The third block is devoted to measurements of force and motion, with a focus on experiments aiming at exploring mechanical resonators in a superposition of states.

Prerequisites
Broad knowledge of quantum physics of light and of condensed matter at the BSc level, and further specialization in an area of physics at the MSc level. The course aims at PhD students in physics.

Course material

References will be used to chapters of various advanced textbooks. Participants will also have to study recent publications of leading research groups.

Organization
The course consists of three blocks of three sessions each. The sessions are scheduled on Friday afternoon. Each block will contain general introductory lectures, and special tasks will be assigned to the participants, which requires active work in teams, resulting in a brief presentation.

Dates and location
Nine Friday afternoons, November 5, 2010 through January 21, 2011 from 15 to 17 hours in Leiden and Delft.

Michel Orrit: 5, 12, 19 november Location: zaal 214 Huygens Lab Leiden; Sven Rogge: 26 november, 3 en 17 december (TN Collegezaal E, Delft) Tjerk Oosterkamp: 7, 14, en 21 januari. (zaal 214 Huygens Lab Leiden)

Registration Please register before October 25, by e-mailing to info@casimir.researchschool.nl