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SFB 1375:  Nonlinear Optics down to Atomic scales (NOA)

Subject Area Physics
Chemistry
Term since 2019
Website Homepage
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 398816777
 
The interaction of light with matter commonly scales linearly with the incident light intensity, inducing weak excitations in the system. The processes occurring in the medium can often be described perturbatively within linear response with a classical, spatially homogenous field. For the light, the interaction is described to occur with an effective medium. However, these approaches cannot be invoked when reaching down to atomic scales: (i) with spatial dimensions of the system approaching the atomic scale, as is the case, for example, for low-dimensional and nanoscale structures, the description of an effective medium fails; (ii) at moderately higher light intensities, nonlinear optical processes occur; and (iii) processes involving the generation or interaction with single photons cannot be described with linear response theories. It is the aim of NOA to explore fundamental nonlinear optical processes of light-matter interaction reaching down to the atomic scale. To reach this goal, NOA combines theoretical research in area A with experimental research focusing on nonlinear optical processes in low-dimensional and nanoscale structures, nonlinear wave-mixing and single-photon nonlinear optical processes in research areas B and C. In the first funding phase, theoretical methods, methodologies, and numerical schemes have been developed and applied along the scientific questions in areas B and C. From the experimental side, two-dimensional systems such as crystalline 2D-materials (area B) but also lower-dimensional systems such as nanowires, nanoscale tips, nanoparticles, or quantum dots (area C) and their nonlinear interaction with light have been the focus of investigation. After having analysed and described these systems individually, NOA will investigate systems with mixed dimensionality in the prospective second funding phase: this includes chemically or electronically locally modified nanowires or sheets, nanowires attached to 2D-materials, local point defects and/or single photon emitters in 2D materials or atomically thin layered materials with the aim of tailoring the design of the nonlinear optical response. Incorporating novel research activities in the area of quantum optics in Jena, NOA will include two new projects investigating (nonlinear) optical processes down to the single photon scale in the second funding phase. Moreover, a new public outreach project devoted to science communication will enrich NOA, aiming at developing an attractive didactic concept for both the general audience and pupils of secondary schools. As a major disseminating platform, the Deutsches Optisches Museum will provide a unique environment for NOA science communication. With this combined approach, NOA will be able to establish new paradigms for nonlinear optics down to atomic scales, not only – but primarily – in terms of fundamental physics, but also towards applications.
DFG Programme Collaborative Research Centres
International Connection Spain

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Applicant Institution Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Participating University Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Spokespersons Professorin Dr. Stefanie Gräfe, since 1/2023; Professor Dr. Ulf Peschel, until 12/2022
 
 

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