Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

<p>Recent discoveries in fundamental physics have led to major technological transformations. For example, the transistor, a device relying on quantum mechanical principles, has allowed electronics to enter many aspects of our daily lives. Other types of quantum devices are now being developed to improve areas such as public health, security and energy consumption efficiency. However, in order to harness the exceptional properties of quantum systems, scientists must first refine experimental techniques to manipulate these volatile states.<br /> Research conducted in our experimental laboratories at the University of Ottawa will focus on improving the general understanding of quantum interactions and will contribute to the development of optical techniques to manipulate them. Most particularly, the research will explore two different classes of physical systems. The first one is a coherent state recently demonstrated in semiconductor microstructure samples. It is composed of quasi-particles, exciton-polaritons, which have a dual light-matter nature providing them with unique properties. At cryogenic temperatures, these particles collectively reach an exotic state of matter referred to as a Bose-Einstein condensate. This macroscopic quantum state in solids could constitute the main building block for future quantum computation or quantum communication technologies. The second system is observed in strongly correlated materials, in which microscopic interactions drive the formation of intriguing long-range orders at cryogenic temperatures. More specifically, samples, made of few atomic layers of these materials, will be used to investigate the formation of exotic phenomena such as superconductivity. While the general properties of these quantum states have already received a lot of attention, little is known about the intrinsic interactions that drive their ultrafast buildup. <br /> In our research, we use cutting-edge optical technologies notably based on time-resolved terahertz (THz) spectroscopy to trace and manipulate microscopic dynamics in materials. The requested equipment, which consists of a cryostat and an optical table, will allow these experiments to be performed at low temperatures where nearly all quantum phenomena occur. The cryostat will cool materials to temperatures approaching 3 K and its custom design will provide broadband optical access to trace and control ultrafast dynamics of quantum transitions. An optical table is also requested to provide a high-stability support for the cryostat and the optical scheme. Advances in this field will have a significant impact in transportation, communication and medical sciences. Finally, the proposed research will contribute to train highly qualified personnel in THz photonics and materials science that will boost the industrial sector, stimulating growth and economic prosperity for Canada. </p>