Quantum Technology Colloquium

Quantum Technology Colloquium

Prof. Andrew Forbes (CSIR) is the speaker of the first Quantum Technology Colloquium of the year. His presentation is entitled “Phun with Phase”.

THE QUANTUM RESEARCH GROUP

Cordially invites you to attend a

QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY COLLOQUIUM

PHUN WITH PHASE

Presented by

PROFESSOR ANDREW FORBES

Chief Researcher and Research Group Leader

CSIR – National Laser Centre

Pretoria, South Africa

Honorary positions at UKZN and University of Stellenbosch

ABSTRACT:

In this talk I will give a non-specialist over view of how to shape light – so called “structured light” – using modern liquid crystal technology to introduce arbitrary phase modulation to the field.

I will show how to put light in a spin, create beams that defy diffraction, and twist light up into a tight spiral.  Through the presentation, I will highlight the current research undertaken within my group (Mathematical Optics), and outline some applications of this topic, from classical studies of light to single cell control with light, and finally I will discuss the use of structured light to probe the quantum world.

DATE:                                      Thursday, 9th February 2012

TIME:                                      14h15

VENUE:                                   NITheP Seminar Room, Level 3, H-Block, Westville Campus