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402-0466-15L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-MATL , D-PHYS

Quantum Optics with Photonic Crystals, Plasmonics and Metamaterials

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Jérôme Faist, Prof. Dr. Giacomo Scalari
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:17

Abstract

In this lecture, we would like to review new developments in the emerging topic of quantum optics in very strongly confined structures, with an emphasis on sources and photon statistics as well as the coupling between optical and mechanical degrees of freedom.

Objective

Integration and miniaturisation have strongly characterised fundamental research and industrial applications in the last decades, both for photonics and electronics. The objective of this lecture is to provide insight into the most recent solid-state implementations of strong light-matter interaction, from micro and nano cavities to nano lasers and quantum optics. The content of the lecture focuses on the achievement of extremely subwavelength radiation confinement in electronic and optical resonators. Such resonant structures are then functionalized by integrating active elements to achieve devices with extremely reduced dimensions and exceptional performances. Plasmonic lasers, Purcell emitters are discussed as well as ultrastrong light matter coupling and opto-mechanical systems.

Content

1. Light confinement 1.1. Photonic crystals 1.1.1. Band structure 1.1.2. Slow light and cavities 1.2. Plasmonics 1.2.1. Light confinement in metallic structures 1.2.2. Metal optics and waveguides 1.2.3. Graphene plasmonics 1.3. Metamaterials 1.3.1. Electric and magnetic response at optical frequencies 1.3.2. Negative index, cloacking, left-handness 2. Light coupling in cavities 2.1. Strong coupling 2.1.1. Polariton formation 2.1.2. Strong and ultra-strong coupling 2.2. Strong coupling in microcavities 2.2.1. Planar cavities, polariton condensation 2.3. Polariton dots 2.3.1. Microcavities 2.3.2. Photonic crystals 2.3.3. Metamaterial-based 3. Photon generation and statistics 3.1. Purcell emitters 3.1.1. Single photon sources 3.1.2. THz emitters 3.2. Microlasers 3.2.1. Plasmonic lasers: where is the limit? 3.2.2. g(1) and g(2) of microlasers 3.3. Optomecanics 3.3.1. Micro ring cavities 3.3.2. Photonic crystals 3.3.3. Superconducting resonators

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 20 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Quantum Optics with Photonic Crystals, Plasmonics and Metamaterials
  • Wed 09:45-11:30 (HIL E 5)
2 h weekly
exercise Quantum Optics with Photonic Crystals, Plasmonics and Metamaterials
  • Wed 12:45-13:30 (HIL C 10.2)
1 h weekly

Offered In