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Group Lead
About

Welcome to the Quantum Photonics Laboratory at the University of Maryland. We are part of the Joint Quantum Institute and the Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics. We are working to develop quantum technology based on nanoscale photonic and semiconductor devices for applications in quantum computation, communication, and sensing.

Topological photonics

In recent years topological photonics has been realized in multitude of platforms. It has gained attention due the presence of unidirectional chiral propagation of light via the edge states which are again immue to any disorder in the system. Such system can open path to plethora of application in many body physics, strong ight matter interaction , quantum hall physics of light. In our roup we focus on studying the strong light matter interaction via a topological waveguide in a planar photonic crystal geometry. 

Spintronic neurosensors

The brain is a complex network of interconnected circuits that exchange signals in the form of action potentials.  These action potentials hold the key to understanding how the brain processes information and generates complex thought.  Currently, the most advanced method for performing highly localized measurements of neuronal action potentials in humans and other primates requires implanting electrodes to target areas of the brain.

Quantum photonics

Rapid improvements in efficiency and sophistication are now extending these devices into the quantum regime, where single photons mediate interactions between embedded on-chip memories coupled to complex photonic circuits. We are studying methos to use integrated photonics to build large and complex quantum systems composed of photons and spins contained in a semiconductor chip.

Quantum confined emiters

Materials that confine electrons and holes in at least one dimension to quantum length scales exhibit unique quantum properties.  This confinement can strongly modify both the optical and electronic properties of materials and produce strong quantum behavior.  Notable examples include quantum wells, quantum dots, and atomically thin layered materials.

Low energy opto-electronics

The internet relies on opto-electronic devices to produce, route, and detect light.  But the majority of opto-electronic devices today rely on weak interactions between light and matter, and therefore consume high powers.  Our group studies strong interactions between light and matter at the nanoscale.  In this regime interactions between single emitters and single photons can become extremely strong, enabing a new class of opto-electronic devices that operate at the lowest fundamental energy limit. 

Shuo Sun

Research Areas: 

  • Strongly interacting light and matter
  • Quantum photonic structures

 

Where are they now?: 

Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder