September 27th, 2010 | by admin | published in All, Conferences, Featured, Highlights, Quantum Computing
The spin of an electron in silicon may act as an information carrier in future information technologies, from quantum computers to spintronics. For quantum information applications, the spin of cold localized electrons in silicon can make a good quantum memory due to the purifiability of the spin environment (a spin-0 nuclear isotope is available) and […]
May 22nd, 2008 | by admin | published in All, Papers, Research, Solid Light
Phys. Rev. A, 77, 5, 053819 (2008)
Systems of coupled photonic cavities have been predicted to exhibit quantum phase transitions by analogy with the Hubbard model. To this end, we have studied topologies of few (up to six) photonic cavities each containing a single two-level system. Quantum phase space diagrams are produced for these systems, and compared to mean-field results. We also consider finite effective temperature, and compare this to the notion of disorder. We find the extent of the Mott lobes shrink analogously to the conventional Bose-Hubbard model.
February 8th, 2008 | by admin | published in All, Technology and Society
Exploring advanced classical and quantum technologies and their societal implications. Definitions and essays on nanotechnology and quantum technology.
February 7th, 2008 | by admin | published in All, Essays, Technology and Society
A new era of physics careers in industry is about to begin, based on the quantum information science/technology (QIS/T) revolution. Whether this statement is true, or can be made to be true, is something we should consider. From my viewpoint, the chances are improving, but there are still roadblocks.
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November 1st, 2007 | by admin | published in All, Featured, Highlights, Solid Light
As physics and engineering extend their reach to the control of single excitations of nature, we gain the ability to explore and even design the interaction of matter and energy in fundamentally new ways. One of the most interesting opportunities this presents is controllable interactions between many quantum particles — such as electrons — which is traditionally the realm of condensed matter physics. The questions we asked ourselves were these: Can we also do this with light? Can it be useful? We show that the answer is YES!
October 12th, 2007 | by admin | published in All, Blog, Essays, Highlights, Technology and Society
Spookytechnology and Society: Understanding and anticipating the second revolution in quantum-designed technologies Download the article this summary is based on: C. Tahan, Spookytechnology and Society, submitted for publication. The original preprint can be found on the arxiv (Oct 12, 2007): arXiv:0710.2537. • tahan.com/charlie: Technology and Society • Wikipedia: quantum physics, quantum entanglement, quantum computer Some early press on the preprint […]
October 12th, 2007 | by admin | published in All, Preprints, Research, Technology and Society
New technologies based on the exploitation of so-called “second order” quantum phenomena – such as quantum entanglement – deserve a public-friendly, rational, and sexy name. Spookytechnology is that unifying term. From historical and motivational perspectives, this name has greater value than the many variations of quantum this and quantum that presently used. As many already believe, the pursuit of spookytechnology has profound implications for the development of the physical and information sciences and ultimately for society at large. Spookytechnology will find its place in the increasingly dense line of major technological revolutions of our time: quantum, info, bio, nano, spooky.
December 23rd, 2006 | by admin | published in All, Essays, Preprints, Technology and Society
Nanotechnology as a social concept and investment focal point has drawn much attention. Here we consider the place of nanotechnology in the second great technological revolution of mankind that began some 200 years ago. The so-called nanotechnology revolution represents both a continuation of prior science and technology trends and a re-awakening to the benefits of significant investment in fundamental research. We consider the role the military might play in the development of nanotechnology innovations, nanotechnology’s context in the history of technology, and the global competition to lead the next technological revolution.
December 9th, 2006 | by admin | published in All, Essays, Preprints, Technology and Society
Manufacturing materials and systems with components thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair promises vast and sometimes unimaginable advances in technology. Yet the term nanotechnology has formed as much from people’s expectations as from scientific reality. Understanding the creation and context of this social construction can help us appreciate and guide what may be a burgeoning revolution. This chapter considers what different groups are referring to when they say nanotechnology, how this relates to the science involved, and how the various definitions of this broad field of endeavor might be improved. The ramifications and implications of these seemingly innocuous naming choices are also discussed. Although in many respects nanotechnology serves as cover justification for increased spending in the physical sciences, at present it is the most hopeful route to solving some of the planet’s greatest problems.
December 8th, 2006 | by admin | published in All, Essays, Technology and Society
preprint; Chapter in Advances in Computers 71:Nanotechnology, edited Marvin Zelkowitz, Elsevier, 2007 Identifying Nanotechnology in Society Charles Tahan Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK charlie@tahan.com (2006) Manufacturing materials and systems with components thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair promises vast and sometimes unimaginable advances in […]