Research

Our research explores themes of quantum coherence and many-body physics of light and matter, generally in the context of condensed-matter systems like semiconductor quantum wells, dots, and microcavities. We have a particular interest in quantum collective phenomena in the solid-state, for example Bose-Einstein condensation of polaritons and excitons. More generally we are interested in the possibilities for generating new physics by controlling the motion of photons and electrons as well as their interactions. Related areas of interest include optical angular momentum and structured light, decoherence and quantum control in solid-state systems, quantum thermodynamics, and photonic materials.

Some of our achievements include: introducing the use of the Dicke (or Tavis-Cummings) model as a description of polariton condensation; explaining the linewidth of the polariton condensate; explaining the critical current of the quantum-Hall bilayer; and showing that photons can have a half-integer angular momentum.

If you want to know more most of our publications, and PhD theses from the group, can be found here. If you're a potential PhD student, you might also want to check out the suggestions for projects on this page.

Outreach and press

Our 2016 paper with John Donegan, showing that photons can have a half-integer angular momentum, was widely covered by the media and science bloggers. Most of the coverage can be found through the Altmetrics page. There is also a 2016 episode of the radio show 'To the best of our knowledge' in which Paul talks about this work, and we wrote summaries for Kudos and 2physics.com.

The press release for our 2022 paper on synchronization was picked up by various news outlets and can be found through the Altmetrics page.