Nonlinear and quantum properties of hybrid light-matter phases in semiconductor photonic structures

Recent advances in semiconductor nano-technology lead to a new generation of robust controllable structures where manipulation of coupling between light and matter can be performed on a submicrometer scale. In these structures novel quasiparticles-polaritons, which are a mixture of light and matter (electrons), can be created. Polaritons have very small effective mass and, thus, may condense in a single quantum state at high temperatures.

This macroscopically occupied state has properties similar to those of atomic Bose-Einstein condensates. In addition, giant polariton-polariton interactions may results in a number of phenomena ranging from superfluidity of light, ultra-low power self-localised wavepackets (solitons) to generation of single photons and entangled photon pairs. Polariton physics in microcavities is very topical research which may find future applications in quantum optical computation. A particular emphasis in this project will be placed on optical experimental studies with the aim to control temporal and spatial phase information, and spin and statistical properties of polaritons in different geometries.

A successful candidate will join a well-funded and very active research group with a world-wide reputation for excellence (https://ldsd.group.shef.ac.uk/research/polaritons/). The group possesses a wide range of modern equipment to conduct advanced quantum optics experiments. During the project the student will also obtain full access to a state-of-the-art clean room facilities available in Sheffield.