Research

Quantum Science | Quantum Technologies.
Since Schrödinger’s days in Dublin, quantum physics has progressed from a scientific revolution (to describe atoms, molecules, etc) to the threshold of yet another revolution to now use quantum processes and devices for new ways to communicate and encrypt signals, simulate and compute or to accurately monitor and sense ‘large distances’ and molecules alike.

  • Quantum sensing and quantum metrology have impact on time (relevant for, e.g. large network synchronisation), navigation (more precise GPS), Earth monitoring (gravitational forces, Earth’s magnetic field, etc), medicine (e.g. high precise local and single molecule sensing such as immuno-assay) and data storage (e.g. nano-scale ultra-high density magnetic and quantum storage).
  • Quantum computers and quantum simulation have impact on optimisation/data-searching (processes are executed more efficient/faster), material science and technology (quantum simulation uncovering the quantum world and design of bio- and quantum (meta-)materials) and AI (design of quantum networks for artificial intelligence).
  • Quantum cryptography and quantum communication will contribute to guard the security of personal data (e.g. patient data, etc), secure commerce/banking (transfer of information and operations) and national security /protection of vital infrastructure (e.g. national grid, water, etc).

Our goal: Elevating photonic quantum science and technologies to room-temperature by design using quantum metamaterials and ultrafast nanoplasmonics
Many of today’s quantum technologies are based on harnessing quantum effects in small and pure systems. Photonic quantum effects have played a central role from the start, but most solutions and systems required cryogenic temperatures to reduce detrimental effects from quantum noise.

Supported by the SFI Research Professorship Programme METAQUANT we aim to establish a framework to design through theory and large-scale computational simulation (taking on board many-body materials properties and using machine-learning approaches) metamaterial nanophotonic quantum tools. The computer-based ‘in silico’ nanophotnic design and exploration of metamaterial quantum nanophotonics and processes for novel room-temperature nanophotonic quantum technologies are – through collaborators at Trinity and international collaborators in Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and the UK and US at universities, research institutes and industry – linked to nanomaterials technologies and experimental characterisation.

The elevation of metamaterials-based nanophotonic quantum technologies to room-temperature by designhas substantial impact on the whole field of quantum science and quantum technologies. It will allow quantum technologies, devices and systems to become less bulky (no cryogenic cooling required), approach through integration commodity scales and become more reliable, embracing and reducing the impact – e.g. via topological metamaterials – of thermal/fluctuations and disorder, rather than elaborately suppressing them.

 

Research Themes

Active Quantum Nanoplasmonics

  • Ultrafast quantum nanoplasmonics
  • Controlled single-electron dynamics in nanoplasmonic Paul traps
  • Nanoplasmonic ‘time-cavities’ and ‘rainbow-trapping’ with quantum gain
  • Plasmonic nanoheating and quantum spin-transfer torque

Dynamic Quantum Metamaterials

  • Topological e-and-m-near-zero metamaterials for protected photonic quantum-entanglement
  • Active nanolasmonic topological radiatively coupled quantum metasurfaces
  • Hybrid random nanomaterial photonic quantum networks
  • Nonlinear and tuneable hyperbolic quantum metamaterials

Quantum Emission and Quantum Sensing

  • Bright single-photon emitters in hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) defect states
  • Phonon quantum coherence and lasing in quantum nanomachines
  • Phonon quantum coherence and lasing in quantum nanomachines
  • Quantum plasmonic immunoassay sensing

Spatio-Temporal Semiconductor and Nano-Laser Dynamics

  • Quantum chaos control of chaotic semiconductor lasers
  • Ultrafast quantum random bit generation
  • Plasmonic nanolasers
  • Stopped-light nanolasing