New Mexico lecturer speaks on quantum measurements at physics colloquium

Physics professor Carlton Caves Caves has been with the University of New Mexico since 1992.
Physics professor Carlton Caves Caves has been with the University of New Mexico since 1992. | Contributed photo

The University of Arkansas welcomed University of New Mexico professor of physics Carlton Caves to present a lecture on quantum measurement limitations as a part of its Physics Colloquium on Friday.

Caves serves in the UNM physics and astronomy department and as the director of the UNM Center for Quantum Information and Control.

His presentation focused on quantum mechanics and how it allows research into physics to move forward with computations and other measurements that could not be completed with only physical science. Caves stated in his abstract that quantum information has allowed quantum mechanics principles to transition from acting as a limiting factor in physics research to serving as a liberating role for researchers.

He also noted that quantum-limited measurements still exist and that his presentation focused on the historical uses and presence of these measurements.

Caves has been with UNM since 1992. He earned a doctorate in physics from the California Institute of Technology and has served as a postdoctoral fellow and senior research fellow with Cal Tech and as an associate professor at the University of Southern California in electrical engineering and physics.

Currently, Caves’ research is focused on quantum metrology and information theory regarding quantum mechanics.