We are organising a predoctorate school on polaritonics in April 2024. Check it out.

Advanced Photonics Laboratory CNR Nanotec @Lecce

Exciton polaritons. Quantum fluids of light. Advanced materials.

Research themes

We are interested in the study of polariton quantum fluids of light, the investigation of frontier physics mainly related to the interactions and coupling of light with matter both from a macroscopic point of view as well as at the single particle level. We study collective coherent phenomena of condensates of Bose-Einstein in semiconductor materials, exploiting quasiparticles generated by the strong coupling between light and excited states of matter. A rich phenomenology of quantum fluids under superfluid or supersonic regimes unravels, involving the dynamics of vortex states, optically driven non-equilibrium condensates, and the expansion or trapping of quantum gases. We measure correlations of quantum states, and highly confined plasmon-polariton fields. We investigate inorganic semiconductors and organic materials from a fundamental point of view as well as for new applied concepts, like all-optical transistors, switches and logical gates.

Quantum fluids of light

By utilizing the polariton fluid properties we study what are the physical laws behind the physics of these bosons gases.

Quantised vortices

Phase singularities in bosonic quantum fluids.

Rabi oscillations

Dynamics of strongly-coupled systems.

Quantum polaritons

Quantum behaviour in the few-particle regime.

Materials engineering

We develop new material platforms that operate at room temperature, possessing large exciton binding energy and high nonlinearities, tailored for strong coupling applications. Our activity is at the intersection of light-matter interactions, advanced material science, and nanofabrication. Our goal is to design nanophotonic structures for topological and room-temperature polariton-based devices, paving the way for the creation of all-optical logic circuits using innovative semiconductors.

Transition metal dichalcogenides

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs) are attracting increasing attention in the field of polaritonic due to their exceptional properties and potential applications. Their direct bandgap and tuneable electronic structure make them especially suited for studying unique polaritonic phenomena. Furthermore, the flexibility of 2D-TMDs provide a distinct advantage in integrating them into diverse technological platforms, resulting into enhanced device performance and innovative light-matter interaction capabilities.

Perovskites

Perovskites are an emerging material in the field of polaritonic exhibiting unique optical and electronic properties and supporting strong light-matter interactions at room temperature. Their inherent tunability in terms of dimensionality and composition, combined with the ease of fabrication, make perovskite structures a versatile platform for investigating polaritonic effects and phenomena. Additionally, the high oscillator strength and exciton binding energy of perovskites enhance their potential for efficient polariton generation. As such, they offer promising pathways for the development of next-generation optoelectronic devices and light-based technologies.

Latest news

Stay up-to-date on what is going on in our laboratory.

People QFL

2024-02-12

Nicolas Cherroret from Laboratoire Kastler Brossel in Paris is visiting us to talk about his most recent results on out-of-equilibr...

Vacancies

2024-01-18

Are you looking for an internship, a fully-funded PhD or a post-doc position?

We currently have 2 positions open at any level for people in...

People

2023-12-14

Dr. Annalisa Coriolano is leaving Lecce after spending a few years with us as a PhD student. She developed a number of methods in two-dimensional materials and characterised their properties. Good ...

How we work

1

Access. We have state-of-the-art facilities for growing and processing inorganic, organic, and molecular semiconductors.

2

Philosophy. We believe in free research and free thinking. We dislike the military structure which often emerges even in groups that are working in an informal environment.

3

Participation. We are all involved in every aspect of the research activities and share the same passion for making interesting and innovative explorations while having fun.

4

Ideas. Research is based on ideas and imagination. Any effort to control them is boycotting science at large.

Ready to join our team?

Have a look at the currently available positions. Then drop us an email no matter what you find.
We are always looking for talented and motivated people to work with us.

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