Project Description

In this research endeavor, our primary goal is to delve into the innovative realm of quantum nonlinear photonics. Our approach involves the integration of highly lying and strongly interacting Rydberg excitons in Cu2O with nanophotonic devices such as waveguides or resonators. By employing high-resolution laser spectroscopy techniques at cryogenic temperatures, we aim to explore the coupling of Rydberg excitons to the optical modes of these nano-photonic devices. Additionally, we will conduct photon correlation measurements to investigate the Rydberg-mediated correlation between photons. To comprehensively understand the dynamics of these strongly-correlated photons and their scattering, we will develop a microscopic theory. This groundbreaking platform enables the creation of photonic devices that exhibit nonlinearity, even at the remarkably low scale of a few photons. Such an advancement holds immense significance in both fundamental research and technological applications, including quantum simulation of few-body or many-body physics, generation of non-classical states of light, quantum imaging, and metrology.

Start Date

January 1, 2024

Postdoc Qualifications

The potential candidate is expected to have a Ph.D. in Physics or related majors and be familiar with quantum optics and/or condensed matter physics.

Co-Advisors

1- Yong P. Chen: chen276@purdue.edu
Karl Lark-Horovitz Professor of Physics and Astronomy
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Director of Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute
Website: https://www.physics.purdue.edu/quantum/

2- Valentin Walther: vwalther@purdue.edu
Assistant Professor - Physical Chemistry
Website: https://www.science.purdue.edu/walther/ 

Short Bibliography

1- K. Orfanakis et al., "Rydberg exciton–polaritons in a Cu2O microcavity," Nature Materials 21, 767–772 (2022)
2- J. Delange et al., "Highly-Excited Rydberg Excitons in Synthetic Thin-Film Cuprous Oxide," arxiv.org/abs/2210.16416 (2022)
3- G Cheng et al., "Electrically tunable moiré magnetism in twisted double bilayers of chromium triiodide," Nature Electronics 6, 434–442 (2023)
4- V. Walther, R. Johne, and T. Pohl, "Giant optical nonlinearities from Rydberg excitons in semiconductor microcavities," Nature Communications 9, 1309 (2018)
5- A. Skljarow et al., "Purcell-enhanced dipolar interactions in nanostructures," Phys. Rev. Research 4, 023073 (2022)