Physics Colloquium - Infrared Polaritonics
Infrared Polaritonics: Coupling Long Wavelength Light to Quantum SystemsDr. Thomas G. FollandPostdoctoral ScholarVanderbilt UniversityAbstract:Generating, manipulating and detecting quantum states of light is a key challenge for realizing practical quantum technology. Whilst microwaves and visible/near-infrared light have been used for such efforts, the mid-infrared to terahertz region of the electromagnetic spectrum (λ=3-300µm) could offer a host of advantages. However, the current generation of infrared technology is generally insufficient to both generate and exploit quantum phenomena. To achieve strong coherent interactions between long wavelength light and nano- to meso-scale quantum systems, we can turn to polaritons. In this colloquium I will I will discuss recent work on polaritons in 2D materials including graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, and molybdenum trioxide. By integrating these 2D materials with different devices and systems we can create emergent phenomena such as nanoscale light waveguiding, not possible using conventional optics. This suggests a route to realizing new types of detectors, light sources, and entangled systems which could form the basis of the next generation of infrared technology.Speaker Bio:Dr. Tom Folland completed his undergraduate degree in Physics at the University of Manchester in 2012. He went on to complete his PhD in Nanoscience in 2017, working with Dr. Chakraborty and Prof. Konstantin Novoselov. After his doctoral work he took a postdoc position in the lab of Prof. Joshua Caldwell at Vanderbilt University. He has 15 published works and 1 patent, as well as 14 contributed talks and 8 invited talks at conferences and institutes. Dr. Folland was given an honorable mention for Vanderbilt Postdoc of the year in 2018, and is an active member of the MRS Early Career Subcommittee.Intended Audience:No background knowledge required. All are welcome.
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