Quantum emitters and superradiance in two dimensional materials

• Grant number: 23/14231-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2024
• End date: January 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: André Jorge Carvalho Chaves
• Grantee: Victor Gabriel Morele Duarte
• Host Institution: Divisão de Ciências Fundamentais (IEF). Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA). Ministério da Defesa (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/05040-5 - Quantum emitters, superradiance and surface modes in J-aggregates, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

Two-dimensional materials have gained prominence due to their optical properties, serving as a platform for quantum emitters. Among the quantum emitters in two-dimensional materials, we can mention defects in monolayers of boron nitride, localized excitons in nanopillars of transition metal dichalcogenides, and Moiré excitons in van der Waals heterostructures. Quantum emitters are the cornerstone for producing single-photon sources, essential in quantum communication and photonic quantum computing. One of the key features of quantum emitters is the rate of single-photon emission.Hybrid surface modes, such as plasmon-polaritons, in two-dimensional materials can be employed to enhance the emission rate of quantum emitters.Superradiance is a collective phenomenon that arises in coupled quantum emitter systems, characterized as a phase transition where the photon emission rate increases quadratically with the number of emitters. This phenomenon has been extensively studied in various systems, including cold atoms and black holes. Among the potential applications of superradiance are metrology, quantum computing, and quantum simulation.Superradiance in confined systems, where the spatial distance between emitters is negligible, was initially studied by Dicke and extensively discussed in the literature. However, studies in extensive systems are still in their early stages.In this doctoral project, the influence of surface modes of two-dimensional materials, such as plasmon-polaritons and exciton-polaritons, on the photon emission rate in quantum emitters will be discussed, focusing on different types of van der Waals heterostructures. The primary objective will be to investigate superradiance in arrays of quantum emitters in 2D materials, including nanopillars made of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) and Moiré excitons of superlattices of TMDs (twistronics).