Nano Quantum Optics

Quantum optics deals with the quantum interaction of light and matter. The pioneering experiments of this field were performed using atoms in the gas phase and go back to the 1980s. In the past two decades, there has been an ever-growing effort to realize quantum optical scenarios in the condensed phase because such platforms are inherently more robust and compatible with chip-based technologies. One of the current challenges is to build quantum networks, where many systems communicate via quantum light. In this regime, one exploits optical nonlinearities and entanglement to engineer new quantum states.

Our laboratory has developed new ways to investigate and manipulate fundamental optical processes at the single photon and single emitter level. For example, we have demonstrated an optical transistor made of a single quantum emitter. In another project, we have connected two individual molecules at a long distance via a stream of single photons. Currently, we are working to couple these emitters to engineered light fields, using nano-waveguides and microcavities. You will be exposed to a range of techniques, including laser physics, design and fabrication of photonic circuits, optoelectronics, high precision spectroscopy and microscopy, and cryogenics.

For more information, please feel free to contact Prof. Vahid Sandoghdar (vahid.sandoghdar@mpl.mpg.de) or consult our website and publications.

Some exemplary references:

1- A single-molecule optical transistor


J. Hwang, M. Pototschnig, R. Lettow, G. Zumofen, A. Renn, S. Götzinger, V. Sandoghdar


Nature 460, 76 (2009).

2- Quantum Interference of Tunably Indistinguishable Photons from Remote Organic Molecules


R. Lettow, Y. Rezus, A. Renn, G. Zumofen, E. Ikonen, S. Götzinger, V. Sandoghdar


Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 123605 (2010).

3- Single-photon Spectroscopy of a Single Molecule


Y. Rezus, S. Walt, R. Lettow, G. Zumofen, A. Renn, S. Götzinger, V. Sandoghdar


Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 093601 (2012).

4- Detection, spectroscopy and state preparation of a single praseodymium ion in a crystal


T. Utikal, E. Eichhammer, L. Petersen, A. Renn, S. Götzinger, V. Sandoghdar


Nature Communications 5, 3627 (2014).

5- Coherent Interaction of Light and Single Molecules in a Dielectric Nanoguide

S. Faez, P. Türschmann, H. Haakh, S. Götzinger, V. Sandoghdar

Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 213601 (2014).