Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Photonics is the science of generating, controlling, and detecting the fundamental particles of light (photons). Light confined to the micron scale (optical fibers) has revolutionized information technology. However, as devices and optical structures continue to shrink, we have started to enter a new realm of optical technology termed "nanophotonics", wherein the behavior of light on the nanometre (nm) scale, and of the interaction of nm-scale objects (photonic nanostructures) with light is qualitatively different. Photonic nanostructures allow unprecedented control and characterization of matter and light-matter interactions at the fundamental quantum mechanics level, unlocking new set of technologies, including quantum light sources and quantum sensors. My research group is a world leader in the theoretical understanding of nanophotonics and quantum optics. We develop innovative models and simulations of light-matter interactions to explain new data, predict new regimes and realize new quantum devices. A strong network of collaborations has been put in place, involving groups in Canada, USA, Germany, Denmark, New Zealand and Japan. This proposal introduces an ambitious research program on the theory and application of dissipative modes (open cavity modes and nanoplasmonics) and reservoir engineering, to study and exploit light-matter interactions in quantum nanophotonics and quantum circuits. The work is driven by deep fundamental physics problems in open system quantum optics (e.g., how to quantize light in arbitrary structures, with arbitrary interaction strengths and arbitrary time-dependent control), as well as emerging applications in nanophotonic hybrid systems. Our work is important for fundamental science discoveries and has applications for next-generation quantum-and nano-photonic technologies. The research themes will study a wide range of photonic nanostructures such as semiconductor quantum dots, nanowire waveguides, metal nanoresonators, hybrid dielectric-metal systems, and mechanical resonators to manipulate quantum light-matter interactions with unparalleled control. This control will be aided through reservoir engineering, involving optical control (lasers), coherent feedback, and hybrid quantum systems. The outcomes of this discovery grant will find broad and significant impact through: (i) the development of powerful and efficient models to describe open-system quantum optics in solid state nanostructures and open cavities with loss, (ii) collaboration with leading theory groups to help develop the most accurate and efficient models, (iii) collaboration with leading experimental groups to test our theories and to explain their data, and (iv) providing a vigorous and stimulating training experience for trainee researchers in technological photonics areas that are important to the Canadian economy. The research program will be internationally leading and will introduce a new chapter in the quantum theory of nanophoptonics.