Coherent dynamics in nanophotonics
CONAN-consortium

Törmä Päivi, Aalto University (School of Science and Technology), Kaivola Matti, Aalto University (School of Science and Technology), Paraoanu Sorin, Aalto University (School of Science and Technology),  Toppari Jussi, JyU

In this project, we concentrate on coherent dynamics, strong coupling phenomena and novel fabrication methods in nanoscale photonics, especially plasmonics, and their applications in nanoscale light generation, imaging and sensing. The project also combines the research of plasmonics to study of corresponding phenomena in the microwave domain. The project aims to answer the following questions: What are optimal ways to achieve strong coupling between light and matter in the nanoscale, can self-assembly be used for creating the required nanostrucures; what novel optical components can be made? What determines the coherence time and length scales of surface Plasmon polaritons interacting with matter in the strong coupling regime; how can the coherence phenomena be optimized for applications in light generation (lasers) and in nanoscale imaging and sensing? How far can hybrid quantum states, enabled by the strong coupling, extend in space, and how is their dynamics like; can this help us to understand energy transfer in natural systems and to design future man-made light harvesting systems?