When light illuminates an object, it is transmitted and reflected. By controlling its geometry at the nanoscale, one can direct and concentrate light at extremely small and sub-wavelength volumes, tremendously increasing the light intensity at the same time. By designing hybrid nanophotonic cavities, (i.e. combining photonic crystals and nanoplasmonic antennas), one can create cavities with unprecedented light confinement. Fluorescent molecules behave as two-level systems that can absorb a photon to excite electrons at a higher energy state. Hence, by placing fluorescent molecules at such extreme field confinement, one can massively increase the light and matter interaction, to engineering quantum entangled states, possibly even at room temperature. The properties of the photonic cavity control how quickly the energy exchange occurs, and tailor the properties of the combined system. Such systems form the basis for many future applications in quantum technologies and quantum information processing.
This PhD project will focus on (i) design the hybrid nanophotonic cavity with the desired properties, (ii) building the necessary theoretical models to understand the energy exchange dynamics between fluorescent molecules and this environment and (iii) finally develop the necessary procedures to generate long-lived entangled states between two or more fluorescent molecules in these hybrid nanophotonic cavities.
The PhD candidate should have completed (or about to complete) his/her undergraduate degree in Physics (preferably with first class honours or equivalent). The PhD candidate is expected to have keen interest on Quantum Optics, Quantum Information, Electromagnetism and good mathematical skills.
The project will take place in the Nanophotonics group of Dr Angela Demetriadou (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/physics/demetriadou-angela.aspx), which is part of the Metamaterials Research Centre (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/physics/quantum/metamaterials/index.aspx) in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham. The candidate will also work very closely with the Cold Atoms group (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/physics/quantum/cold-atoms/index.aspx).
In line with the Department’s Athena SWAN programme, we particularly welcome female applicants.
For details of the funding available, advice on making your application or any other informal enquiries, please contact Dr Angela Demetriadou at: [Email Address Removed]
You can apply here: https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS005.htm
clearly stating the title of the project, the name of the supervisor (Dr. Angela Demetriadou) and the Metamaterials Research Centre.
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