Geometric effects in cooperative light scattering in emitter arrays (BORGHM2_U26EMP)
Key Details
- Application deadline
- 31 March 2026. Project is open to Home applicants only.
- Location
- UEA
- Funding type
- Self-funded
- Start date
- 1 June 2026
- Mode of study
- Full-time
- Programme type
- Masters by Research
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Project description
Primary supervisor - Dr Magnus Borgh
Quantum-optical light scatterers form fundamental building blocks for optical quantum devises. At the same time, measurements of scattered light provide a powerful means of insight into the quantum properties of systems ranging from individual atoms [1] to molecules in chemical contexts [2]. Atomic arrays provide a pristine, many-body model system where the coupling between light and matter is enhanced by cooperative effects resulting from light-mediated interactions [3], such that, e.g., a sub-wavelength array may behave as a single “superatom” [4], modern laboratory technology, including optical lattices as well as optical tweezer arrays open the prospect of manipulating the geometric arrangement of the atoms.
Similar light-mediated interactions are fundamental, e.g., for energy-transfer processes in molecules and for the investigation of chemical systems using spectroscopic and quantum-optical approaches. In these systems, the interacting dipoles may have complex geometric arrangements, such as in organic molecules and nano-rings [5]. In these cases, the transition dipole elements of the emitters also need not be aligned, meaning that the anisotropic nature of the interactions become crucially important.
In this MSc by Research project, we will use numerical simulations in master-equation formalisms to quantify the effects of the geometric arrangements of quantum emitters. We will highlight the impact of the anisotropy of the interaction on properties of the scattered light such as on, e.g., photon correlations. The results will have the potential to inform future experimental efforts in the quantum optics of atomic ensembles as well as molecules.
Entry requirements
The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:2. in Physics, Physical Sciences, Natural Science, Mathematics, Chemistry.
Funding
This project is offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with funding or those applying to funding sources. Details of tuition fees can be found here.
A bench fee is also payable in addition to the tuition fee to cover specialist equipment or laboratory costs required for the research. Applicants should contact the primary supervisor for further information about the fee associated with the project.
UEA Alumni 10% Scholarships - A scholarship of a 10% fee reduction is available to UEA Alumni looking to return for postgraduate study at UEA, Terms and conditions apply. For a postgraduate master’s loan, visit our Postgraduate Student Loans page for more information.
References
[1] Walls, Nature 280, 451 (1979)
[2] Humphries, Green, Borgh & Jones, Phys. Rev. Lett 131, 143601(2023)
[3] Ruostekoski, Phys. Rev. A 108, 030101 (2023)
[4] Williamson, Borgh & Ruostekoski, Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 073602 (2020)
[5] Holzinger et al., Phys. Rev. Res. 4, 033116 (2022)