Coupling transition metal dichalcogenides with dielectric metasurfaces
Project Overview
The project will investigate the physics and proof of concepts towards new types of photonics devices based on integrating two dimensional dichalcogenides (TMDs) with dielectric metasurfaces. As direct bandgap semiconductors with large exciton binding energy TMDs offer enormous potential for nanoscale photonic devices. They offer low cost and relatively facile fabrication compared with more traditional approaches for nanoscale semiconductor device fabrication. The integration of these materials with photonic structures for controlled light-matter interaction is current hot topic of research.
Strong coupling between excitons and cavity photons has been an active field of research for many decades. Much recent research has concentrated on achieving room temperature strong coupling exploiting the high field enhancement and small mode volume of plasmonic structures1,2. TMDs show strong excitonic effects at room temperature and room temperature strong coupling using a single plasmonic resonators and gap plasmons have been recently demonstrated. However, the losses associated with the plasmonic nanostructures are quite severe for most applications and is the reason why Rabi splitting though visible in the scattering and absorption spectra is not visible in the photoluminescence spectrum.
Dielectric metasurfaces can potentially overcome some of the drawbacks of plasmonic systems. The Bradley group has published papers on properties of dielectric metasurfaces including high Q-factor quasi-guided modes in TiO2 nanopillar arrays, and wide-angle invisibility Si nanodisk arrays. Recent theoretical work in our group has shown how coupling dielectric metasurfaces with TMDs provides a platform for investigating strong coupling.
This project will include experimental and numerical studies. It will involve the fabrication and characterization of the metasurfaces, as well as the design and optimization of structures using finite difference time domain simulations. The aims are to demonstrate strong light-matter interaction at room temperature using scattering and PL measurements, and investigation of low energy switching (exciton induced transparency) and low threshold polariton lasing.
Funding Information
The successful applicant will receive a stipend of €18000 per annum as well as full fees for four years. The student will be registered in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
How to apply
Applicants should apply directly to Prof. Louise Bradley at [Email Address Removed].
Requirements: Students must have achieved, or expect to achieve, a minimum of a II.1 in their undergraduate degree in a Physics, Engineering or Material Science discipline.
Applications should include a full CV and the contact details of 2 academic referees.
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