We use classical and quantum theory approaches to study both photonic and hybrid light-matter systems. The theorists in the centre have expertise in both analytical and computational methods, and work closely with experimentalists.
Polariton physics
When light and matter are strongly coupled, energy may be exchanged between the two subsystems many times before being lost to the environment, resulting in a system of hybrid modes which are part light, part matter, called polaritons. In the nanophotonics theory lab we study how molecular polariton systems can be designed to manipulate molecular properties such as engineering long-range molecular energy propagation, increasing delocalisation length and tuning energy and charge transfer pathways.
Topological light-matter interactions
We study topological phases of light, and also how light interacts with topological electronic systems. Nanoscale topological insulators can host discretized topological surface states with energy level spacing on the order of THz. We study the optical properties of these systems with the aim of designing new systems that can be used for new electronic and photonic technologies.
Staff working in this area
- , Emeritus Professor, Department of Physics
- , Senior Lecturer, Department of Physics
- , Lecturer, Department of Physics
- , Lecturer, Department of Physics
- , Professor, Department of Physics