Current REU student, new to forums

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a new participant, skeith, who is currently engaged in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program focused on Quantum Information Science at the University of Oregon. Skeith seeks guidance on foundational materials in quantum mechanics and optics, expressing feelings of being overwhelmed due to limited prior knowledge in these areas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Skeith introduces their background and current research project in Quantum Information Science, mentioning a lack of prior research experience.
  • Some participants suggest that learning linear algebra is essential for understanding quantum mechanics, indicating that it should be manageable given skeith's background in calculus.
  • Skeith expresses a desire for recommendations on introductory materials for linear algebra and quantum mechanics.
  • Another participant shares their feelings of jealousy regarding skeith's REU opportunity and reflects on their own unsuccessful attempts to secure a similar position.
  • Skeith describes their current tasks, including working with lasers and setting up interferometers, and mentions the goal of sorting photons based on their spin states.
  • A participant questions how skeith obtained an REU position without prior knowledge in quantum mechanics or optics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express support for skeith's journey and share their own experiences, but there is no consensus on the specific resources or approaches to learning quantum mechanics and optics.

Contextual Notes

Skeith's understanding of quantum mechanics and optics is limited, and they have only completed coursework up to calculus 2. The discussion reflects varying levels of experience among participants, which may influence the recommendations provided.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students new to research in quantum mechanics or optics, individuals seeking guidance on foundational mathematics for physics, and those interested in REU programs may find this discussion relevant.

skeith
Hi everybody,

I just joined these fine forums after having spent the last couple of years lurking and occasionally collecting needed information. I'm currently occupying a position at a REU (stands for Research Experience for Undergrads) at the University of Oregon in this summer between my junior and senior years as an undergraduate. So, that's what's going on with me.

My research project is in Quantum Information Science (aka quantum computing).
It just started and I have zero research experience. Most of the lab stuff we'll be doing is in the realm of optics, which so far means working with lasers and setting up interferometers.
Have I grabbed your attention yet?

I was wondering if someone could point me in the direction of some good material in the area of introductory quantum (i.e. what means what in a (psi) wave function especially) as well as any other helpful resources for someone in my position (maybe a newbie's guide to differential equations and any specific maths related to quantum/optics, and anything to do with research etc). I have only had through calculus 2 and the highest physics I've had is classical mechanics! So i feel a bit overwhelmed as you might imagine. But I'm trying not to be discouraged.

I am currently working through some of Eugene Hecht's OPTICS book (2nd edition, pretty outdated and so I can't find solutions online) so if anyone can help me there I'd greatly appreciate that. Also I apologize if there was a more appropriate place for me to post this message. Thanks for reading. Peace
 
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Welcome skeith!
 
Hi skeith, welcome to PF!

You'll probably want to learn some linear algebra to really understand QM. If you've had calc 2, it won't be too difficult.
 
Cool, congratulations.

I have to admit, I am quite jealous. I tried like hell to get an REU and couldn't get any, then I went to that grad school to do just what you are describing but never got the opportunity. Sounds like a lot of fun, what group are you working in?
 
lisab said:
Hi skeith, welcome to PF!

You'll probably want to learn some linear algebra to really understand QM. If you've had calc 2, it won't be too difficult.

Hey, that's great to hear! thanks for the encouragement. Any recommendations for starting materials in linear algebra?

Academic said:
Cool, congratulations.

I have to admit, I am quite jealous. I tried like hell to get an REU and couldn't get any, then I went to that grad school to do just what you are describing but never got the opportunity. Sounds like a lot of fun, what group are you working in?

Well, I guess it's just luck of the draw, truth be told you probably would have known what the heck was going on a lot sooner than i will. Honestly i feel kind of undeserving.
The group I'm in is Dr. Michael Raymer's Quantum Information Science project. So far I've been given a book on the basics of optics and been shown how to align a laser and set up a very basic interferometer, which from what I can tell from discussions will act as a 2-D parity sorter. The basic idea is to sort photons based on their spin states in order to create a stage for applications in computer science at the quantum level. I've got much to learn :)
 
how the hell did you get an REU position without knowing any quantum or optics?
 

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