Quantum Photonics and Nanomaterials

Quantum information and nanotechnology promise to revolutionise the modern world. This course is designed to teach you the concepts behind the next generation of technology, and the lab skills that will help to make it a reality.

Course description

This course teaches you about aspects of quantum physics that are paving the way for quantum technologies. You will study the fundamental properties of light and matter, and how they interact with each other. This includes learning how semiconductors are used in electronic and optoelectronic devices, ranging from nanophotonic circuits, and micro- and nano-sources of quantum light, to photovoltaic solar cells.

By formulating complex equations that describe the theory, and seeing how it’s put into practice with experiments in the lab, you’ll develop expertise that can be applied to some of the biggest challenges in science and technology, from new semiconductor nanostructures and 2D materials to building an optical quantum computer. You’ll learn how your specialist knowledge can be applied in the computing, electronics and telecommunications industries.

The biggest part of your degree is your research project. Possible topics include:

• theory of quantum optical information processing
• spin phenomena in semiconductor nanostructures
• integrated photonic structures for QIP
• novel atomically thin 2D materials for optoelectronic applications
• nonlinear and hybrid-light matter phases in photonic geometries
• perovskites and organic semiconductor for photovoltaics
• organic sensor devices
• physics of polymer crystallisation

You will also complete a research training programme, and there are optional modules to choose from including quantum mechanics, magnetic resonance, soft condensed matter, biological physics and statistical physics.