Quantum materials for quantum nanophotonics (Conference Presentation)

Abstract

The field of photonics has made tremendous progress in connecting spatio-temporal measurements of new quantum materials, including 2D plasmonics, Moire structure localized potentials and Weyl semimetals, to theoretical predictions. This talk will present a carrier-lifetime driven approach to quantum materials with a focus on theory and simulations of these, as relevant to quantum photonics and optics. A theoretical description of ultrafast-fast (attosecond - nanosecond) behavior of excited carrier dynamics in quantum materials involves two major ingredients: i) The optical response of the material (and its environment like the substrate or encapsulating layers) and ii) the dynamics of the excited carriers, including electron-electron and electron-phonon scattering. Here, I will discuss recent calculations and advances on both fronts from my group, with a particular emphasis on linking these calculations with experimental observations. Combining the power and possibilities of excited-state and heterostructure engineering with the collective and emergent properties of quantum materials, quantum-matter heterostructures open new directions in quantum photonics. The ability to design optoelectronic interactions (via vdW heterostructures) in 2D and 3D materials makes this platform extremely promising for atomistic control, design, and scaling of new photonic technologies.