Research in the department focuses on solid-state quantum systems for quantum optics and quantum communication, and molecular quantum systems. The core competence is the fabrication, characterisation and embedding of quantum emitters in photonic structures (e.g. microcavities). A variety of clean room fabrication methods, such as molecular beam epitaxy and/or electron beam lithography, can be used to create nanostructures for nanophotonic applications.
In a bottom-up approach using molecular beam epitaxy, we develop novel and advanced quantum architectures on different substrates (Si, GaAs, and InP) and investigate their quantum optics properties. With the top-down approach, we fabricate photonic nanostructures and semiconductor devices through high-resolution electron beam lithography and etching techniques. The fabricated nanostructures emit at different wavelengths — particularly in the telecom C-band. An innovative hybrid photonics platform can be created by integrating III-V semiconductor light sources into silicon, which is one of the key technologies combining the best of both materials. Additionally, we develop charged devices for spin manipulation. For molecular systems, we aim to create a platform that addresses miniaturisation and scalability challenges, while our work on 2D materials focuses on integrated photonic devices.
