Spatiotemporal control of Dirac polariton propagation (A11*)

• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 314695032

We will spatially resolve the propagation of hybrid modes formed by light and Dirac fermions using field-resolved mid-infrared near-field microscopy. Three work streams will establish control over polaritons in graphene and reveal effects of the relativistic single-particle dispersion on the collective dynamics: (i) Semiconducting substrates will allow for tunable, anisotropic dispersions. (ii) Quantum-dot-like structures will confine and guide polariton propagation, potentially influenced by relativistic effects like Klein tunneling. (iii) Moiré bilayers host conducting networks for one-dimensional polariton confinement and routing.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1277: Emergent Relativistic Effects in Condensed Matter: From Fundamental Aspects to Electronic Functionality
• Applicant Institution: Universität Regensburg
• Project Heads: Dr. Markus A. Huber, since 1/2026; Dr. Fabian Mooshammer, since 1/2026