Showing 1–50 of 109 results for author: Martin-Moreno, L

Scattering correction for infrared spectra of biological cells using computational infrared microspectroscopy and deep learning

Authors: Sergio G. Rodrigo, Ilia L. Rasskazov, Luis Martin-Moreno, Martin Schnell

Abstract: IR microspectroscopy of single biological cells is challenged by strong light scattering, which produces baseline effects and peak distortions in the IR spectra and hinders the direct extraction of chemical information. Current methods for scattering correction typically rely on Mie theory and are accurate only under the assumption that the cell can be approximated by a sphere. Here, we present a… ▽ More IR microspectroscopy of single biological cells is challenged by strong light scattering, which produces baseline effects and peak distortions in the IR spectra and hinders the direct extraction of chemical information. Current methods for scattering correction typically rely on Mie theory and are accurate only under the assumption that the cell can be approximated by a sphere. Here, we present a framework for the scattering correction of IR absorbance spectra that is based on 3D ellipsoid models and provides efficient scattering correction for both suspended (spherical) and adhered (flattened) cells. Our approach combines deep learning approaches with computational IR microspectroscopy based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The FDTD method generates a synthetic library of realistic training spectra, while the deep learning model enables fast spectral inversion. We demonstrate scattering correction in silico using numerical cell phantoms of cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and show that the true absorption spectra can be inferred from IR absorbance spectra. We further show that the 3D cell dimensions can be recovered from the IR absorbance spectra, highlighting that the inherent light scattering could be exploited to realize the full analytical potential of IR spectroscopy. We anticipate that deep learning-based scattering corrections can be readily extended to increasingly complex sample geometries owing to the flexibility of the FDTD method to model arbitrary geometries. △ Less

Submitted 21 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Multi-emitter oscillating bound states in Waveguide QED

Authors: Sergi Terradas-Briansó, Carlos A. González-Gutiérrez, Iván Huarte, David Zueco, Luis Martin-Moreno

Abstract: Waveguide quantum electrodynamics platforms have emerged as promising candidates for exploring and implementing non-Markovian quantum phenomena. In this work, we investigate the formation and dynamics of superpositions of bound states in a cavity array waveguide coupled to two spatially separated quantum emitters. By tuning the system parameters, we show that spontaneous emission can drive the sys… ▽ More Waveguide quantum electrodynamics platforms have emerged as promising candidates for exploring and implementing non-Markovian quantum phenomena. In this work, we investigate the formation and dynamics of superpositions of bound states in a cavity array waveguide coupled to two spatially separated quantum emitters. By tuning the system parameters, we show that spontaneous emission can drive the system into non-local equilibrium states in which both photonic and emitter populations exhibit persistent oscillations. These states arise from the coexistence of bound states embedded in the energy continuum and bound states outside it, leading to hybrid oscillatory modes. We analytically derive the conditions required for the emergence of these states, numerically simulate their formation through spontaneous emission, and predict their long-time behaviour. Our results demonstrate that such bound-state superpositions enable the generation of emitter-emitter interaction through free evolution, while supporting oscillatory breathing modes of the photon density between the emitters. △ Less

Submitted 17 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: 7 pages, 4 figures

Enhanced Terahertz Photoresponse via Acoustic Plasmon Cavity Resonances in Scalable Graphene

Authors: Domenico De Fazio, Sebastián Castilla, Karuppasamy P. Soundarapandian, Tetiana Slipchenko, Ioannis Vangelidis, Simone Marconi, Riccardo Bertini, Vlad Petrica, Yang Hao, Alessandro Principi, Elefterios Lidorikis, Roshan K. Kumar, Luis Martín-Moreno, Frank H. L. Koppens

Abstract: Precise control and nanoscale confinement of terahertz (THz) fields are essential requirements for emerging applications in photonics, quantum technologies, wireless communications, and sensing. Here, we demonstrate a polaritonic cavity enhanced THz photoresponse in an antenna coupled device based on chemical vapor deposited (CVD) monolayer graphene. The dipole antenna lobes simultaneously serve a… ▽ More Precise control and nanoscale confinement of terahertz (THz) fields are essential requirements for emerging applications in photonics, quantum technologies, wireless communications, and sensing. Here, we demonstrate a polaritonic cavity enhanced THz photoresponse in an antenna coupled device based on chemical vapor deposited (CVD) monolayer graphene. The dipole antenna lobes simultaneously serve as two gate electrodes, concentrate the impinging THz field, and efficiently launch acoustic graphene plasmons (AGPs), which drive a strong photo-thermoelectric (PTE) signal. Between 6 and 90 K, the photovoltage exhibits pronounced peaks, modulating the PTE response by up to 40\%, that we attribute to AGPs forming a Fabry Pérot THz cavity in the full or half graphene channel. Combined full wave and transport thermal simulations accurately reproduce the gate controlled plasmon wavelength, spatial absorption profile, and the resulting nonuniform electron heating responsible for the PTE response. The lateral and vertical maximum confinement factors of the AGP wavelength relative to the incident wavelength are 165 and 4000, respectively, for frequencies from 1.83 to 2.52 THz. These results demonstrate that wafer scalable CVD graphene, without hBN encapsulation, can host coherent AGP resonances and exhibit an efficient polaritonic enhanced photoresponse under appropriate gating, antenna coupling, and AGP cavity design, opening a route to scalable, polarization and frequency selective, liquid nitrogen cooled, and low power consumption THz detection platforms based on plasmon thermoelectric transduction. △ Less

Submitted 23 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Journal ref: ACS Photonics 2026

Optical Gain Through Metallic Electro-Optical Effects

Authors: N. Roldan-Levchenko, D. J. P. de Sousa, C. O. Ascencio, J. D. S Forte, L. Martin-Moreno, T. Low

Abstract: Optical gain is a critical process in today's semiconductor technology and it is most often achieved via stimulated emission. In this theoretical study, we find a resonant TE mode in biased low-symmetry two-dimensional metallic systems which may lead to optical gain in the absence of stimulated emission. We do so by first modeling the optical conductivity using Boltzmann non-equilibrium transport… ▽ More Optical gain is a critical process in today's semiconductor technology and it is most often achieved via stimulated emission. In this theoretical study, we find a resonant TE mode in biased low-symmetry two-dimensional metallic systems which may lead to optical gain in the absence of stimulated emission. We do so by first modeling the optical conductivity using Boltzmann non-equilibrium transport theory and then simulating the scattering problem using a scattered-wave formalism. Assuming that the system may possess a Berry curvature dipole (BCD) and a non-zero Magnetoelectric tensor (MET), we find that the optical conductivity has a non-trivial dependence on the direction of the applied bias, which allows for probing the TE mode. After analyzing the system with one of each of the effects, we find that the resonant TE mode is only accessible when both effects are present. Further studies are necessary to find materials with a suitably large BCD and MET, in order to realize the predictions within this study. △ Less

Submitted 29 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 13 pages, 5 figures

Physics-Informed Neural Networks with Dynamical Boundary Constraints

Authors: Andrés Martínez-Esteban, Pablo Calvo-Barlés, Luis Martín-Moreno, Sergio G Rodrigo

Abstract: Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) are numerical solvers that embed all the physical information of a system into the loss function of a neural network. In this way the learned solution accounts for data (if available), the governing differential equations, or any other constraint known of the physical problem. However, they face serious issues, notably their tendency to converge on trivial… ▽ More Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) are numerical solvers that embed all the physical information of a system into the loss function of a neural network. In this way the learned solution accounts for data (if available), the governing differential equations, or any other constraint known of the physical problem. However, they face serious issues, notably their tendency to converge on trivial or misleading solutions. The latter occurs when, although the loss function reaches low values the model makes incorrect predictions. These difficulties become especially significant in differential equations involving multi-scale behavior, such as rapidly varying terms and solutions exhibiting strong oscillatory behavior. To address these challenges, we introduce the Dynamical Boundary Constraint (DBC) algorithm, which imposes restrictions on the loss function based on prior training of the PINN. To demonstrate its applicability, we tested this approach on examples of different areas of physics. △ Less

Submitted 29 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Mimicking Surface Plasmons with Structured Surfaces

Authors: JB Pendry, L Martin-Moreno, FJ Garcia-Vidal

Abstract: Metals such as silver support surface plasmons: electromagnetic surface excitations localised near the surface which originate from the free electrons of the metal. Surface modes are also observed on highly conducting surfaces perforated by holes. We establish a close connection between the two, showing that electromagnetic waves in both materials are governed by an effective permittivity of the s… ▽ More Metals such as silver support surface plasmons: electromagnetic surface excitations localised near the surface which originate from the free electrons of the metal. Surface modes are also observed on highly conducting surfaces perforated by holes. We establish a close connection between the two, showing that electromagnetic waves in both materials are governed by an effective permittivity of the same plasma form. Because the size and spacing of holes can readily be controlled on all relevant length scales, this gives the opportunity to create designer surface plasmons with almost arbitrary dispersion in frequency and in space, opening new vistas in surface plasmon optics. △ Less

Submitted 4 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Journal ref: Science 305 847-8 (2004)

Tunable hyperbolic Landau-level polaritons in charge-neutral graphene nanoribbon metasurfaces

Authors: Kateryna Domina, Tetiana Slipchenko, D. -H. -Minh Nguyen, Alexey B. Kuzmenko, Luis Martin-Moreno, Dario Bercioux, Alexey Y. Nikitin

Abstract: Magnetized charge-neutral graphene supports collective hybrid electronic excitations - polaritons - which have quantum origin. In contrast to polaritons in doped graphene, which arise from intraband electronic transitions, those in charge-neutral graphene originate from interband transitions between Landau levels, enabled by the applied magnetic field. Control of such quantum polaritons and shapin… ▽ More Magnetized charge-neutral graphene supports collective hybrid electronic excitations - polaritons - which have quantum origin. In contrast to polaritons in doped graphene, which arise from intraband electronic transitions, those in charge-neutral graphene originate from interband transitions between Landau levels, enabled by the applied magnetic field. Control of such quantum polaritons and shaping their wavefronts remains totally unexplored. Here we design an artificial two-dimensional quantum material formed by charge-neutral graphene nanoribbons exposed to an external magnetic field. In such metasurface, quantum polaritons acquire a hyperbolic dispersion. We find that the topology of the isofrequency curves of quantum hyperbolic magnetoexciton polaritons excited in this quantum material can change, so that the shape of isofrequency curves transforms from a closed to open one by tuning the external magnetic field strength. At the topological transition, we observe canalization phenomena, consisting of the propagation of all the polaritonic plane waves in the continuum along the same direction when excited by a point source. From a general perspective, our fundamental findings introduce a novel type of actively-tunable quantum polaritons with hyperbolic dispersion and can be further generalized to other types of quantum materials and polaritons in them. In practice, quantum hyperbolic polaritons can be used for applications related to quantum sensing and computing. △ Less

Submitted 28 October, 2025; v1 submitted 30 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Comments: This version includes the full content of the published paper but is not typeset in the journal format (20 pages, 3 figures)

Journal ref: ACS Photonics 2025, 12, 9, 5264-5270

Direct interferometric measurement of non-reciprocity induced by a plasmonic metasurface with false chirality

Authors: Ahmed Lafeef Ettapuram Naduvilepurayil, Harel Ginat, Fernando Loren, Luis Martin-Moreno, Shmuel Sternklar, Yuri Gorodetski

Abstract: Nonreciprocity is an important scientific concept related to the broken symmetry of light propagation through a system in forward and reverse directions. This effect lies in the origin of various applications including signal processing, noise reduction, unidirectional propagation and sensing. Here we show that propagation of Surface Plasmons (SP) within a structure having a false chirality exhibi… ▽ More Nonreciprocity is an important scientific concept related to the broken symmetry of light propagation through a system in forward and reverse directions. This effect lies in the origin of various applications including signal processing, noise reduction, unidirectional propagation and sensing. Here we show that propagation of Surface Plasmons (SP) within a structure having a false chirality exhibits a non-reciprocity. The SP waves propagating in opposite directions within the structure acquire opposite Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phases. To detect this phase difference we introduce a novel interferometric technique based on a customized Sagnac set-up. The main advantages of our proposed system are high sensitivity to non-reciprocal phase changes, high precision incidence angle alignment and the inspection of the k-space enabled by sufficiently wide range of incidence angles. We believe that a pivotal role of the non-reciprocity and its detection in numerous physical and chemical processes suggests a wide range of practical applications as well as deeper scientific insights. △ Less

Submitted 10 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Comments: 21 pages, 7 figures

Roadmap for Photonics with 2D Materials

Authors: F. Javier García de Abajo, D. N. Basov, Frank H. L. Koppens, Lorenzo Orsini, Matteo Ceccanti, Sebastián Castilla, Lorenzo Cavicchi, Marco Polini, P. A. D. Gonçalves, A. T. Costa, N. M. R. Peres, N. Asger Mortensen, Sathwik Bharadwaj, Zubin Jacob, P. J. Schuck, A. N. Pasupathy, Milan Delor, M. K. Liu, Aitor Mugarza, Pablo Merino, Marc G. Cuxart, Emigdio Chávez-Angel, Martin Svec, Luiz H. G. Tizei, Florian Dirnberger , et al. (123 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Triggered by the development of exfoliation and the identification of a wide range of extraordinary physical properties in self-standing films consisting of one or few atomic layers, two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and other van der Waals (vdW) crystals currently constitute a wide research field protruding in multiple directions in combinat… ▽ More Triggered by the development of exfoliation and the identification of a wide range of extraordinary physical properties in self-standing films consisting of one or few atomic layers, two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and other van der Waals (vdW) crystals currently constitute a wide research field protruding in multiple directions in combination with layer stacking and twisting, nanofabrication, surface-science methods, and integration into nanostructured environments. Photonics encompasses a multidisciplinary collection of those directions, where 2D materials contribute with polaritons of unique characteristics such as strong spatial confinement, large optical-field enhancement, long lifetimes, high sensitivity to external stimuli (e.g., electric and magnetic fields, heating, and strain), a broad spectral range from the far infrared to the ultraviolet, and hybridization with spin and momentum textures of electronic band structures. The explosion of photonics with 2D materials as a vibrant research area is producing breakthroughs, including the discovery and design of new materials and metasurfaces with unprecedented properties as well as applications in integrated photonics, light emission, optical sensing, and exciting prospects for applications in quantum information, and nanoscale thermal transport. This Roadmap summarizes the state of the art in the field, identifies challenges and opportunities, and discusses future goals and how to meet them through a wide collection of topical sections prepared by leading practitioners. △ Less

Submitted 14 April, 2025; v1 submitted 6 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 199 pages, 42 figures, 1154 references

Journal ref: ACS Photonics 12, 3961 (2025)

Learning finite symmetry groups of dynamical systems via equivariance detection

Authors: Pablo Calvo-Barlés, Sergio G. Rodrigo, Luis Martín-Moreno

Abstract: In this work, we introduce the Equivariance Seeker Model (ESM), a data-driven method for discovering the underlying finite equivariant symmetry group of an arbitrary function. ESM achieves this by optimizing a loss function that balances equivariance preservation with the penalization of redundant solutions, ensuring the complete and accurate identification of all symmetry transformations. We appl… ▽ More In this work, we introduce the Equivariance Seeker Model (ESM), a data-driven method for discovering the underlying finite equivariant symmetry group of an arbitrary function. ESM achieves this by optimizing a loss function that balances equivariance preservation with the penalization of redundant solutions, ensuring the complete and accurate identification of all symmetry transformations. We apply this framework specifically to dynamical systems, identifying their symmetry groups directly from observed trajectory data. To demonstrate its versatility, we test ESM on multiple systems in two distinct scenarios: (i) when the governing equations are known theoretically and (ii) when they are unknown, and the equivariance finding relies solely on observed data. The latter case highlights ESM's fully data-driven capability, as it requires no prior knowledge of the system's equations to operate. △ Less

Submitted 4 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Low-loss twist-tunable in-plane anisotropic polaritonic crystals

Authors: Nathaniel Capote-Robayna, Ana I. F. Tresguerres-Mata, Aitana Tarazaga Martín-Luengo, Enrique Terán-García, Luis Martin-Moreno, Pablo Alonso-González, Alexey Y. Nikitin

Abstract: Van der Waals (vdW) materials supporting phonon polaritons (PhPs) - light coupled to lattice vibrations - have gathered significant interest because of their intrinsic anisotropy and low losses. In particular, $α$-MoO$_3$ supports PhPs with in-plane anisotropic propagation, which has been exploited to tune the optical response of twisted bilayers and trilayers. Additionally, various studies have e… ▽ More Van der Waals (vdW) materials supporting phonon polaritons (PhPs) - light coupled to lattice vibrations - have gathered significant interest because of their intrinsic anisotropy and low losses. In particular, $α$-MoO$_3$ supports PhPs with in-plane anisotropic propagation, which has been exploited to tune the optical response of twisted bilayers and trilayers. Additionally, various studies have explored the realization of polaritonic crystals (PCs) - lattices with periods comparable to the polariton wavelength -. PCs consisting of hole arrays etched in $α$-MoO$_3$ slabs exhibit Bragg resonances dependent on the angle between the crystallographic axes and the lattice vectors. However, such PC concept, with a fixed orientation and size of its geometrical parameters, constrains practical applications and introduces additional scattering losses due to invasive fabrication processes. Here we demonstrate a novel PC concept that overcomes these limitations, enabling low-loss optical tuning. It comprises a rotatable pristine $α$-MoO$_3$ layer located on a periodic hole array fabricated in a metallic layer. Our design prevents degradation of the $α$-MoO$_3$ optical properties caused by fabrication, preserving its intrinsic low-loss and in-plane anisotropic propagation of PhPs. The resulting PC exhibits rotation of the Bloch modes, which is experimentally visualized by scanning near-field microscopy. In addition, we experimentally determine the polaritons momentum and reconstruct their band structure. These results pave the way for mechanically tunable nanooptical components based on polaritons for potential lasing, sensing, or energy harvesting applications. △ Less

Submitted 12 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Unconventional edge states in a two-leg ladder

Authors: C. A. Downing, L. Martín-Moreno, O. I. R. Fox

Abstract: Some popular mechanisms for restricting the diffusion of waves include introducing disorder (to provoke Anderson localization) and engineering topologically non-trivial phases (to allow for topological edge states to form). However, other methods for inducing somewhat localized states in elementary lattice models have been historically much less studied. Here we show how edge states can emerge wit… ▽ More Some popular mechanisms for restricting the diffusion of waves include introducing disorder (to provoke Anderson localization) and engineering topologically non-trivial phases (to allow for topological edge states to form). However, other methods for inducing somewhat localized states in elementary lattice models have been historically much less studied. Here we show how edge states can emerge within a simple two-leg ladder of coupled harmonic oscillators, where it is important to include interactions beyond those at the nearest neighbour range. Remarkably, depending upon the interplay between the coupling strength along the rungs of the ladder and the next-nearest neighbour coupling strength along one side of the ladder, edge states can indeed appear at particular energies. In a wonderful manifestation of a type of bulk-edge correspondence, these edge state energies correspond to the quantum number for which additional stationary points appear in the continuum bandstructure of the equivalent problem studied with periodic boundary conditions. Our theoretical results are relevant to a swathe of classical or quantum lattice model simulators, such that the proposed edge states may be useful for applications including waveguiding in metamaterials and quantum transport. △ Less

Submitted 8 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: 23 pages, 11 figures

Journal ref: New J. Phys. 26, 073014 (2024)

Description of ultrastrong light-matter interaction through coupled harmonic oscillator models and their connection with cavity-QED Hamiltonians

Authors: Unai Muniain, Javier Aizpurua, Rainer Hillenbrand, Luis Martín-Moreno, Ruben Esteban

Abstract: Classical coupled harmonic oscillator models are capable of describing the optical and infrared response of nanophotonic systems where a cavity photon couples to dipolar matter excitations. The distinct forms of coupling adopted in these classical models leads to different results in the ultrastrong coupling regime. To clarify the specific classical model required to address particular configurati… ▽ More Classical coupled harmonic oscillator models are capable of describing the optical and infrared response of nanophotonic systems where a cavity photon couples to dipolar matter excitations. The distinct forms of coupling adopted in these classical models leads to different results in the ultrastrong coupling regime. To clarify the specific classical model required to address particular configurations, we establish a connection between each oscillator model and the equivalent cavity Quantum Electrodynamics description. We show that the proper choice of coupled harmonic oscillator model depends on the presence or absence of the diamagnetic term in the quantum models, linked to whether transverse or longitudinal electromagnetic fields mediate the coupling. This analysis also shows how to exploit the classical oscillator models to extract measurable information of the optical response, as demonstrated in three canonical photonic systems, and to describe the opening of the Reststrahlen band in the bulk dispersion of phononic materials △ Less

Submitted 19 February, 2025; v1 submitted 19 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Waveguide QED in the Dipole Gauge

Authors: Sergi Terradas-Briansó, Luis Martín-Moreno, David Zueco

Abstract: In recent studies on ultrastrong coupling between matter and light in cavities, the significance of gauge choice when employing the widely-used two-level approximation has been highlighted. Expanding upon these investigations, we extend the analysis to waveguide QED, where we demonstrate that truncations performed in the dipole gauge also yield accurate results. To illustrate this point, we consid… ▽ More In recent studies on ultrastrong coupling between matter and light in cavities, the significance of gauge choice when employing the widely-used two-level approximation has been highlighted. Expanding upon these investigations, we extend the analysis to waveguide QED, where we demonstrate that truncations performed in the dipole gauge also yield accurate results. To illustrate this point, we consider the case of a dipole coupled to a cavity array. Various numerical and analytical techniques have been employed to investigate the low-energy dynamics of the system. Leveraging these theoretical tools, we argue that single photon scattering is an ideal method for investigating gauge-related issues. Our findings reveal two novel effects in the scattering spectra, which cannot be reproduced in a truncated model using the Coulomb gauge. Firstly, the primary resonance is modified due to a Lamb shift contribution. Secondly, we observe asymmetric transmission amplitudes surrounding this resonance, reflecting the asymmetry of the spectral density in this model. Additionally, we explore other features in the scattering spectra resulting from ultrastrong couplings, such as the emergence of Fano resonances and inelastic channels. Finally, we propose an experimental test of our ideas in the context of circuit QED. △ Less

Submitted 12 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Comments: 15 pages, 10 figures

Finding discrete symmetry groups via Machine Learning

Authors: Pablo Calvo-Barlés, Sergio G. Rodrigo, Eduardo Sánchez-Burillo, Luis Martín-Moreno

Abstract: We introduce a machine-learning approach (denoted Symmetry Seeker Neural Network) capable of automatically discovering discrete symmetry groups in physical systems. This method identifies the finite set of parameter transformations that preserve the system's physical properties. Remarkably, the method accomplishes this without prior knowledge of the system's symmetry or the mathematical relationsh… ▽ More We introduce a machine-learning approach (denoted Symmetry Seeker Neural Network) capable of automatically discovering discrete symmetry groups in physical systems. This method identifies the finite set of parameter transformations that preserve the system's physical properties. Remarkably, the method accomplishes this without prior knowledge of the system's symmetry or the mathematical relationships between parameters and properties. Demonstrating its versatility, we showcase examples from mathematics, nanophotonics, and quantum chemistry. △ Less

Submitted 25 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Spin-momentum locking breakdown on plasmonic metasurfaces

Authors: Fernando Lorén, Cyriaque Genet, Luis Martín-Moreno

Abstract: We present a scattering formalism to analyze the spin-momentum locking in structured holey plasmonic metasurfaces. It is valid for any unit cell for arbitrary position and orientation of the holes. The spin-momentum locking emergence is found to originate from the unit cell configuration. Additionally, we find that there are several breakdown terms spoiling the perfect spin-momentum locking polari… ▽ More We present a scattering formalism to analyze the spin-momentum locking in structured holey plasmonic metasurfaces. It is valid for any unit cell for arbitrary position and orientation of the holes. The spin-momentum locking emergence is found to originate from the unit cell configuration. Additionally, we find that there are several breakdown terms spoiling the perfect spin-momentum locking polarization. We prove that this breakdown also appears in systems with global symmetries of translation and rotation of the whole lattice, like the Kagome lattice. Finally, we present the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons as the paramount example of the spin-momentum locking breakdown. △ Less

Submitted 30 October, 2023; v1 submitted 3 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Comments: 5 pages, 3 figures. 5 appendices: 3 pages, 1 table, 3 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 108, 155144 (2023)

Circular dichroism induction in WS2 by a chiral plasmonic metasurface

Authors: Fernando Lorén, Cyriaque Genet, Luis Martín-Moreno

Abstract: We investigate the interaction between a monolayer of WS2 and a chiral plasmonic metasurface. WS2 possesses valley excitons that selectively couple with one-handed circularly polarised light. At the same time, the chiral plasmonic metasurface exhibits spin-momentum locking, leading to a robust polarisation response in the far field. Using a scattering formalism based on the coupled mode method, we… ▽ More We investigate the interaction between a monolayer of WS2 and a chiral plasmonic metasurface. WS2 possesses valley excitons that selectively couple with one-handed circularly polarised light. At the same time, the chiral plasmonic metasurface exhibits spin-momentum locking, leading to a robust polarisation response in the far field. Using a scattering formalism based on the coupled mode method, we analyse various optical properties of the WS2 monolayer. Specifically, we demonstrate the generation of circular dichroism in the transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) by harnessing the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in the metasurface. Moreover, we observe the emergence of other guided modes, opening up exciting possibilities for further exploration in TMD-based devices. △ Less

Submitted 30 October, 2023; v1 submitted 5 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Comments: 9 one-column pages, 6 figures. Preprint also submitted to Optica Open

Journal ref: Optical Materials Express, Vol. 13 No. 11 (2023)

A hidden advantage of van der Waals materials for overcoming limitations in photonic integrated circuitry

Authors: Andrey A. Vyshnevyy, Georgy A. Ermolaev, Dmitriy V. Grudinin, Kirill V. Voronin, Ivan Kharichkin, Arslan Mazitov, Ivan A. Kruglov, Dmitry I. Yakubovsky, Prabhash Mishra, Roman V. Kirtaev, Aleksey V. Arsenin, Kostya S. Novoselov, Luis Martin-Moreno, Valentyn S. Volkov

Abstract: With the advance of on-chip nanophotonics, there is a high demand for high refractive index, low-loss materials. Currently, this technology is dominated by silicon, but van der Waals (vdW) materials with high refractive index can offer a very advanced alternative. Still, up to now it was not clear if the optical anisotropy perpendicular to the layers might be a hindering factor for the development… ▽ More With the advance of on-chip nanophotonics, there is a high demand for high refractive index, low-loss materials. Currently, this technology is dominated by silicon, but van der Waals (vdW) materials with high refractive index can offer a very advanced alternative. Still, up to now it was not clear if the optical anisotropy perpendicular to the layers might be a hindering factor for the development of vdW nanophotonics. Here, we studied WS2-based waveguides in terms of their optical properties and, particularly, in terms of possible crosstalk distance. Surprisingly, we discovered that the low refractive index in the direction perpendicular to the atomic layers improves the characteristics of such devices, mainly due to expanding the range of parameters at which single-mode propagation can be achieved. Thus, using anisotropic materials offers new opportunities and novel control knobs when designing the nanophotonic devices. △ Less

Submitted 31 March, 2023; originally announced April 2023.

Comments: 11 pages, 3 figures

One-dimensional electron localization in semiconductors coupled to electromagnetic cavities

Authors: Dmitry Svintsov, Georgy Alymov, Zhanna Devizorova, Luis Martin-Moreno

Abstract: Electrical conductivity of one-dimensional (1d) disordered solids decays exponentially with their length, which is a celebrated manifestation of the localization phenomenon. Here, we study the modifications of localized conductivity induced by placement of 1d semiconductors inside of single-mode electromagnetic cavities, focusing on the regime of non-degenerate doping. We use the Green's function… ▽ More Electrical conductivity of one-dimensional (1d) disordered solids decays exponentially with their length, which is a celebrated manifestation of the localization phenomenon. Here, we study the modifications of localized conductivity induced by placement of 1d semiconductors inside of single-mode electromagnetic cavities, focusing on the regime of non-degenerate doping. We use the Green's function technique modified for the non-perturbative account of cavity excited states, and including both coherent electron-cavity effects (i.e. electron motion in the zero-point fluctuating field) and incoherent processes of photon emission upon tunneling. The energy spectrum of electron transmission in the cavity acquires Fano-type resonances associated with virtual photon emission, passage along the resonant level, and photon re-absorption. The quality factor of the Fano resonance depends on whether the intermediate state is coupled to the leads, and reaches its maximum when this state is localized deep in the disorder potential. Coupling to the cavity also elevates the energies of the shallow bound states, bringing them to the conduction band bottom. Such an effect leads to the enhancement of the low-temperature conductance. △ Less

Submitted 27 November, 2023; v1 submitted 23 November, 2022; originally announced November 2022.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 109, 045432 (2024)

Microscopic analysis of spin-momentum locking on a geometric phase metasurface

Authors: Fernando Lorén, Gian L. Paravicini-Bagliani, Sudipta Saha, Jérôme Gautier, Minghao Li, Cyriaque Genet, Luis Martín-Moreno

Abstract: We revisit spin-orbit coupling in a plasmonic Berry metasurface comprised of rotated nanoapertures, which is known to imprint a robust far-field polarization response. We present a scattering formalism that shows how that spin-momentum locking emerges from the geometry of the unit cell without requiring global rotation symmetries. We find and confirm with Mueller polarimetry measurements that spin… ▽ More We revisit spin-orbit coupling in a plasmonic Berry metasurface comprised of rotated nanoapertures, which is known to imprint a robust far-field polarization response. We present a scattering formalism that shows how that spin-momentum locking emerges from the geometry of the unit cell without requiring global rotation symmetries. We find and confirm with Mueller polarimetry measurements that spin-momentum locking is an approximate symmetry. The symmetry breakdown is ascribed to the elliptical projection of circularly polarized light into the planar surface. This breakdown is maximal when surface waves are excited, and a new set of spin-momentum locking rules is presented for this case. △ Less

Submitted 11 April, 2023; v1 submitted 20 May, 2022; originally announced May 2022.

Comments: 6 pages and 3 figures. 1 Supplemental material with 15 pages and 6 figures

Ultrastrong waveguide QED with giant atoms

Authors: Sergi Terradas-Briansó, Carlos A. González-Gutiérrez, Franco Nori, Luis Martín-Moreno, David Zueco

Abstract: Quantum optics with giant emitters has shown a new route for the observation and manipulation of non-Markovian properties in waveguide-QED. In this paper we extend the theory of giant atoms, hitherto restricted to the perturbative light-matter regime, to deal with the ultrastrong coupling regime. Using static and dynamical polaron methods we address the low energy subspace of a giant atom coupled… ▽ More Quantum optics with giant emitters has shown a new route for the observation and manipulation of non-Markovian properties in waveguide-QED. In this paper we extend the theory of giant atoms, hitherto restricted to the perturbative light-matter regime, to deal with the ultrastrong coupling regime. Using static and dynamical polaron methods we address the low energy subspace of a giant atom coupled to an Ohmic waveguide beyond the standard rotating wave approximation. We analyze the equilibrium properties of the system by computing the atomic frequency renormalization as a function of the coupling characterizing the localization-delocalization quantum phase transition for a giant atom. We show that virtual photons dressing the ground state are non-exponentially localized around the contact points but decay as a power-law. Dynamics of an initially excited giant atom are studied, pointing out the effects of ultrastrong coupling on the Lamb shift and the spontaneous emission decay rate. Finally we comment on the existence of the so-called oscillating bound states beyond the rotating wave approximation. △ Less

Submitted 16 May, 2022; originally announced May 2022.

Comments: 12 pages, 6 figures

Twisted two-dimensional material stacks for polarization optics

Authors: Kaveh Khaliji, Luis Martin-Moreno, Phaedon Avouris, Sang-Hyun Oh, Tony Low

Abstract: The ability to control light polarization state is critically important for diverse applications in information processing, telecommunications, and spectroscopy. Here, we propose that a stack of anisotropic van der Waals materials can facilitate the building of optical elements with Jones matrices of unitary, Hermitian, non-normal, singular, degenerate, and defective classes. We show that the twis… ▽ More The ability to control light polarization state is critically important for diverse applications in information processing, telecommunications, and spectroscopy. Here, we propose that a stack of anisotropic van der Waals materials can facilitate the building of optical elements with Jones matrices of unitary, Hermitian, non-normal, singular, degenerate, and defective classes. We show that the twisted stack with electrostatic control can function as arbitrary-birefringent wave-plate or arbitrary polarizer with tunable degree of non-normality, which in turn give access to plethora of polarization transformers including rotators, pseudorotators, symmetric and ambidextrous polarizers. Moreover, we discuss an electrostatic-reconfigurable stack which can be tuned to operate as four different polarizers and be used for Stokes polarimetry. △ Less

Submitted 15 January, 2023; v1 submitted 5 October, 2021; originally announced October 2021.

Toward Monoatomic-Layer Field Confinement Limit via Acoustic Graphene Plasmons

Authors: In-Ho Lee, Tony Low, Luis Martín-Moreno, Phaedon Avouris, Sang-Hyun Oh

Abstract: Vertical plasmonic coupling in double-layer graphene leads to two hybridized plasmonic modes: optical and acoustic plasmons with symmetric and anti-symmetric charge distributions across the interlayer gap, respectively. However, in most experiments based on far-field excitation, only the optical plasmons are dominantly excited in the double-layer graphene systems. Here, we propose strategies to se… ▽ More Vertical plasmonic coupling in double-layer graphene leads to two hybridized plasmonic modes: optical and acoustic plasmons with symmetric and anti-symmetric charge distributions across the interlayer gap, respectively. However, in most experiments based on far-field excitation, only the optical plasmons are dominantly excited in the double-layer graphene systems. Here, we propose strategies to selectively and efficiently excite acoustic plasmons with a single or multiple nano-emitters. The analytical model developed here elucidates the role of the position and arrangement of the emitters on the symmetry of the resulting graphene plasmons. We present an optimal device structure to enable experimental observation of acoustic plasmons in double-layer graphene toward the ultimate level of plasmonic confinement defined by a monoatomic spacer, which is inaccesible with a graphene-on-a-mirror architecture. △ Less

Submitted 25 December, 2020; originally announced December 2020.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Applied 19, 064039 (2023)

Interband plasmon polaritons in magnetized charge-neutral graphene

Authors: T. M. Slipchenko, J. -M. Poumirol, A. B. Kuzmenko, A. Yu. Nikitin, L. Martin-Moreno

Abstract: Studying the collective excitations in charge neutral graphene (CNG) has recently attracted a great interest because of unusual mechanisms of the charge carrier dynamics. The latter can play a crucial role, for instance, for superconducting phases in the periodically strained CNG and the magic angle twisted bilayer graphene or for formation of graphene plasmon polaritons (GPPs) associated with int… ▽ More Studying the collective excitations in charge neutral graphene (CNG) has recently attracted a great interest because of unusual mechanisms of the charge carrier dynamics. The latter can play a crucial role, for instance, for superconducting phases in the periodically strained CNG and the magic angle twisted bilayer graphene or for formation of graphene plasmon polaritons (GPPs) associated with interband transitions due to the strain-induced pseudomagnetic field. Importantly, GPP in CNG can be a tool providing new insights into various intriguing quantum phenomena in CNG via optical experiments. However, interband GPPs in CNG are barely investigated, even in the simplest configurations. Here, we show that magnetically biased single layer CNG (particularly, at zero temperature) can support interband GPPs of both transverse magnetic and transverse electric polarizations. They exist inside the narrow absorption bands originating from the electronic transitions between Landau levels and are tunable by the external magnetic field. We put our study into the context of potential near-field and far-field optical experiments, thus opening the door to the exploration of CNG for optics and nanophotonics. △ Less

Submitted 1 October, 2020; originally announced October 2020.

Comments: 22 pages, 5 figures

Polaritonic Tamm states induced by cavity photons

Authors: C. A. Downing, L. Martín-Moreno

Abstract: We consider a periodic chain of oscillating dipoles, interacting via long-range dipole-dipole interactions, embedded inside a cuboid cavity waveguide. We show that the mixing between the dipolar excitations and cavity photons into polaritons can lead to the appearance of new states localized at the ends of the dipolar chain, which are reminiscent of Tamm surface states found in electronic systems.… ▽ More We consider a periodic chain of oscillating dipoles, interacting via long-range dipole-dipole interactions, embedded inside a cuboid cavity waveguide. We show that the mixing between the dipolar excitations and cavity photons into polaritons can lead to the appearance of new states localized at the ends of the dipolar chain, which are reminiscent of Tamm surface states found in electronic systems. A crucial requirement for the formation of polaritonic Tamm states is that the cavity cross-section is above a critical size. Above this threshold, the degree of localization of the Tamm states is highly dependent on the cavity size, since their participation ratio scales linearly with the cavity cross-sectional area. Our findings may be important for quantum confinement effects in one-dimensional systems with strong light-matter coupling. △ Less

Submitted 16 September, 2020; originally announced September 2020.

Comments: 9 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Nanophotonics 10, 513 (2021)

Chiral current circulation and $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry in a trimer of oscillators

Authors: Charles A. Downing, David Zueco, Luis Martín-Moreno

Abstract: We present a simple quantum theory of a bosonic trimer in a triangular configuration, subject to gain and loss in an open quantum systems approach. Importantly, the coupling constants between each oscillator are augmented by complex arguments, which give rise to various asymmetries. In particular, one may tune the complex phases to induce chiral currents, including the special case of completely u… ▽ More We present a simple quantum theory of a bosonic trimer in a triangular configuration, subject to gain and loss in an open quantum systems approach. Importantly, the coupling constants between each oscillator are augmented by complex arguments, which give rise to various asymmetries. In particular, one may tune the complex phases to induce chiral currents, including the special case of completely unidirectional (or one-way) circulation when certain conditions are met regarding the coherent and incoherent couplings. When our general theory is recast into a specific non-Hermitian Hamiltonian, we find interesting features in the trimer population dynamics close to the exceptional points between phases of broken and unbroken $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry. Our theoretical work provides perspectives for the experimental realization of chiral transport at the nanoscale in a variety of accessible nanophotonic and nanoplasmonic systems, and paves the way for the potential actualization of nonreciprocal devices. △ Less

Submitted 14 September, 2020; originally announced September 2020.

Comments: 14 pages, 11 figures

Journal ref: ACS Photonics 7, 3401 (2020)

Plasmonic Dirac Cone in Twisted Bilayer Graphene

Authors: Luis Brey, T. Stauber, T. Slipchenko, L. Martín-Moreno

Abstract: We discuss plasmons of biased twisted bilayer graphene when the Fermi level lies inside the gap. The collective excitations are a network of chiral edge plasmons (CEP) entirely composed of excitations in the topological electronic edge states (EES) that appear at the AB-BA interfaces. The CEP form an hexagonal network with an unique energy scale $ε_p=\frac{e^2}{ε_0εt_0}$ with $t_0$ the moiré latti… ▽ More We discuss plasmons of biased twisted bilayer graphene when the Fermi level lies inside the gap. The collective excitations are a network of chiral edge plasmons (CEP) entirely composed of excitations in the topological electronic edge states (EES) that appear at the AB-BA interfaces. The CEP form an hexagonal network with an unique energy scale $ε_p=\frac{e^2}{ε_0εt_0}$ with $t_0$ the moiré lattice constant and $ε$ the dielectric constant. From the dielectric matrix we obtain the plasmon spectra that has two main characteristics: (i) a diverging density of states at zero energy, and (ii) the presence of a plasmonic Dirac cone at $\hbarω\simε_p/2$ with sound velocity $v_D=0.0075c$, which is formed by zigzag and armchair current oscillations. A network model reveals that the antisymmetry of the plasmon bands implies that CEP scatter at the hexagon vertices maximally in the deflected chiral outgoing directions, with a current ratio of 4/9 into each of the deflected directions and 1/9 into the forward one. We show that scanning near-field microscopy should be able to observe the predicted plasmonic Dirac cone and its broken symmetry phases. △ Less

Submitted 21 June, 2020; originally announced June 2020.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 256804 (2020)

Plasmonic antenna coupling to hyperbolic phonon-polaritons for sensitive and fast mid-infrared photodetection with graphene

Authors: Sebastián Castilla, Ioannis Vangelidis, Varun-Varma Pusapati, Jordan Goldstein, Marta Autore, Tetiana Slipchenko, Khannan Rajendran, Seyoon Kim, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Luis Martín-Moreno, Dirk Englund, Klaas-Jan Tielrooij, Rainer Hillenbrand, Elefterios Lidorikis, Frank H. L. Koppens

Abstract: Integrating and manipulating the nano-optoelectronic properties of Van der Waals heterostructures can enable unprecedented platforms for photodetection and sensing. The main challenge of infrared photodetectors is to funnel the light into a small nanoscale active area and efficiently convert it into an electrical signal. Here, we overcome all of those challenges in one device, by efficient couplin… ▽ More Integrating and manipulating the nano-optoelectronic properties of Van der Waals heterostructures can enable unprecedented platforms for photodetection and sensing. The main challenge of infrared photodetectors is to funnel the light into a small nanoscale active area and efficiently convert it into an electrical signal. Here, we overcome all of those challenges in one device, by efficient coupling of a plasmonic antenna to hyperbolic phonon-polaritons in hexagonal-BN to highly concentrate mid-infrared light into a graphene pn-junction. We balance the interplay of the absorption, electrical and thermal conductivity of graphene via the device geometry. This novel approach yields remarkable device performance featuring room temperature high sensitivity (NEP of 82 pW-per-square-root-Hz) and fast rise time of 17 nanoseconds (setup-limited), among others, hence achieving a combination currently not present in the state-of-the-art graphene and commercial mid-infrared detectors. We also develop a multiphysics model that shows excellent quantitative agreement with our experimental results and reveals the different contributions to our photoresponse, thus paving the way for further improvement of these types of photodetectors even beyond mid-infrared range. △ Less

Submitted 30 May, 2020; originally announced June 2020.

Journal ref: Nature Communications 2020

Ultrastrong plasmon-phonon coupling via epsilon-near-zero nanocavities

Authors: Daehan Yoo, Fernando de León-Pérez, In-Ho Lee, Daniel A. Mohr, Matthew Pelton, Markus B. Raschke, Joshua D. Caldwell, Luis Martín-Moreno, Sang-Hyun Oh

Abstract: Vibrational ultrastrong coupling (USC), where the light-matter coupling strength is comparable to the vibrational frequency of molecules, presents new opportunities to probe the interactions of molecules with zero-point fluctuations, harness cavity-enhanced chemical reactions, and develop novel devices in the mid-infrared regime. Here we use epsilon-near-zero nanocavities filled with a model polar… ▽ More Vibrational ultrastrong coupling (USC), where the light-matter coupling strength is comparable to the vibrational frequency of molecules, presents new opportunities to probe the interactions of molecules with zero-point fluctuations, harness cavity-enhanced chemical reactions, and develop novel devices in the mid-infrared regime. Here we use epsilon-near-zero nanocavities filled with a model polar medium (SiO$_2$) to demonstrate USC between phonons and gap plasmons. We present classical and quantum mechanical models to quantitatively describe the observed plasmon-phonon USC phenomena and demonstrate a splitting of up to 50% of the resonant frequency. Our wafer-scale nanocavity platform will enable a broad range of vibrational transitions to be harnessed for USC applications. △ Less

Submitted 5 May, 2020; v1 submitted 28 February, 2020; originally announced March 2020.

Comments: 45 pages, 12 figures

Non-local quantum effects in plasmons of graphene superlattices

Authors: Luis Brey, T. Stauber, L. Martín-Moreno, G. Gómez-Santos

Abstract: By using a non-local, quantum mechanical response function we study graphene plasmons in a one-dimensional superlattice (SL) potential $V_0 \cos G_0x$. The SL introduces a quantum energy scale $E_G \sim \hbar v_F G_0$ associated to electronic sub-band transitions. At energies lower than $E_G$, the plasmon dispersion is highly anisotropic; plasmons propagate perpendicularly to the SL axis, but beco… ▽ More By using a non-local, quantum mechanical response function we study graphene plasmons in a one-dimensional superlattice (SL) potential $V_0 \cos G_0x$. The SL introduces a quantum energy scale $E_G \sim \hbar v_F G_0$ associated to electronic sub-band transitions. At energies lower than $E_G$, the plasmon dispersion is highly anisotropic; plasmons propagate perpendicularly to the SL axis, but become damped by electronic transitions along the SL direction. These results question the validity of semiclassical approximations for describing low energy plasmons in periodic structures. At higher energies, the dispersion becomes isotropic and Drude-like with effective Drude weights related to the average of the absolute value of the local chemical potential. Full quantum mechanical treatment of the kinetic energy thus introduces non-local effects that delocalize the plasmons in the SL, making the system behave as a meta-material even near singular points where the charge density vanishes. △ Less

Submitted 24 June, 2020; v1 submitted 11 December, 2019; originally announced December 2019.

Comments: 22 pages, 14 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 257401 (2020)

Single photons by quenching the vacuum

Authors: Eduardo Sánchez-Burillo, Luis Martín-Moreno, Juan José García-Ripoll, David Zueco

Abstract: Heisenberg's uncertainty principle implies that the quantum vacuum is not empty but fluctuates. These fluctuations can be converted into radiation through nonadiabatic changes in the Hamiltonian. Here, we discuss how to control this vacuum radiation, engineering a single-photon emitter out of a two-level system (2LS) ultrastrongly coupled to a finite-band waveguide in a vacuum state. More precisel… ▽ More Heisenberg's uncertainty principle implies that the quantum vacuum is not empty but fluctuates. These fluctuations can be converted into radiation through nonadiabatic changes in the Hamiltonian. Here, we discuss how to control this vacuum radiation, engineering a single-photon emitter out of a two-level system (2LS) ultrastrongly coupled to a finite-band waveguide in a vacuum state. More precisely, we show the 2LS nonlinearity shapes the vacuum radiation into a nonGaussian superposition of even and odd cat states. When the 2LS bare frequency lays within the band gaps, this emission can be well approximated by individual photons. This picture is confirmed by a characterization of the ground and bound states, and a study of the dynamics with matrix product states and polaron Hamiltonian methods. △ Less

Submitted 1 July, 2019; v1 submitted 25 October, 2018; originally announced October 2018.

Comments: 9 pages, 10 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 013601 (2019)

Acoustic Graphene Plasmon Nanoresonators for Field Enhanced Infrared Molecular Spectroscopy

Authors: S. Chen, M. Autore, J. Li, P. Li, P. Alonso-Gonzalez, Z. -L. Yang, L. Martín-Moreno, R. Hillenbrand, A. Nikitin

Abstract: Field-enhanced infrared molecular spectroscopy has been widely applied in chemical analysis, environment monitoring, and food and drug safety. The sensitivity of molecular spectroscopy critically depends on the electromagnetic field confinement and enhancement in the sensing elements. Here we propose a concept for sensing, consisting of a graphene plasmonic nanoresonator separated from a metallic… ▽ More Field-enhanced infrared molecular spectroscopy has been widely applied in chemical analysis, environment monitoring, and food and drug safety. The sensitivity of molecular spectroscopy critically depends on the electromagnetic field confinement and enhancement in the sensing elements. Here we propose a concept for sensing, consisting of a graphene plasmonic nanoresonator separated from a metallic film by a nanometric spacer. Such a resonator can support acoustic graphene plasmons, AGPs; that provide ultra-confined electromagnetic fields and strong field enhancement. Compared to conventional plasmons in graphene, AGPs exhibit a much higher spontaneous emission rate, higher sensitivity to the dielectric permittivity inside the AGP nano resonator, and remarkable capability to enhance molecular vibrational fingerprints, of nanoscale analyte samples. Our work opens novel avenues for sensing of ultra-small volume of molecules, as well as for studying enhanced light-matter interaction, e.g. strong coupling applications. △ Less

Submitted 2 May, 2018; originally announced May 2018.

Comments: This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in ACS Photonics, copyright American Chemical Society after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsphotonics.7b00654. The authors acknowledge support from the EC under the GrapheneCore1, grant no. 696656

Journal ref: ACS Photonics, 2017, 4, 3089,3097

Polariton Hall Effect in Transition-Metal Dichalcogenides

Authors: Á. Gutiérrez-Rubio, L. Chirolli, L. Martín-Moreno, F. J. García-Vidal, F. Guinea

Abstract: We analyze the properties of strongly coupled excitons and photons in systems made of semiconducting two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides embedded in optical cavities. Through a detailed microscopic analysis of the coupling we unveil novel, highly tunable features of the spectrum, that result in polariton splitting and a breaking of light-matter selection rules. The dynamics of the com… ▽ More We analyze the properties of strongly coupled excitons and photons in systems made of semiconducting two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides embedded in optical cavities. Through a detailed microscopic analysis of the coupling we unveil novel, highly tunable features of the spectrum, that result in polariton splitting and a breaking of light-matter selection rules. The dynamics of the composite polaritons is influenced by the Berry phase arising both from their constituents and from the confinement-enhanced coupling. We find that light-matter coupling emerges as a mechanism that enhances the Berry phase of polaritons well beyond that of its elementary constituents, paving the way to achieve a polariton Hall effect. △ Less

Submitted 7 February, 2018; originally announced February 2018.

Comments: 5 pages, 2 figures. Supplementary Material with 4 pages, 4 figures

MSC Class: 81V05; 81V80

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 137402 (2018)

Anisotropic Acoustic Plasmons in Black Phosphorus

Authors: In-Ho Lee, Luis Martin-Moreno, Daniel A. Mohr, Kaveh Khaliji, Tony Low, Sang-Hyun Oh

Abstract: Recently, it was demonstrated that a graphene/dielectric/metal configuration can support acoustic plasmons, which exhibit extreme plasmon confinement an order of magnitude higher than that of conventional graphene plasmons. Here, we investigate acoustic plasmons supported in a monolayer and multilayers of black phosphorus (BP) placed just a few nanometers above a conducting plate. In the presence… ▽ More Recently, it was demonstrated that a graphene/dielectric/metal configuration can support acoustic plasmons, which exhibit extreme plasmon confinement an order of magnitude higher than that of conventional graphene plasmons. Here, we investigate acoustic plasmons supported in a monolayer and multilayers of black phosphorus (BP) placed just a few nanometers above a conducting plate. In the presence of a conducting plate, the acoustic plasmon dispersion for the armchair direction is found to exhibit the characteristic linear scaling in the mid- and far-infrared regime while it largely deviates from that in the long wavelength limit and near-infrared regime. For the zigzag direction, such scaling behavior is not evident due to relatively tighter plasmon confinement. Further, we demonstrate a new design for an acoustic plasmon resonator that exhibits higher plasmon confinement and resonance efficiency than BP ribbon resonators in the mid-infrared and longer wavelength regime. Theoretical framework and new resonator design studied here provide a practical route toward the experimental verification of the acoustic plasmons in BP and open up the possibility to develop novel plasmonic and optoelectronic devices that can leverage its strong in-plane anisotropy and thickness-dependent band gap. △ Less

Submitted 29 December, 2017; originally announced December 2017.

Journal ref: ACS Photonics 5, 2208-2216 (2018)

Magnetoplasmonic Enhancement of Faraday Rotation in Patterned Graphene Metasurfaces

Authors: Michele Tamagnone, Tetiana M. Slipchenko, Clara Moldovan, Peter Q. Liu, Alba Centeno, Hamed Hasani, Amaia Zurutuza, Adrian M. Ionescu, Luis Martin-Moreno, Jérôme Faist, Juan R. Mosig, Alexey B. Kuzmenko, Jean-Marie Poumirol

Abstract: Faraday rotation is a fundamental property present in all non-reciprocal optical elements. In the THz range, graphene displays strong Faraday rotation; unfortunately, it is limited to frequencies below the cyclotron resonance. Here we show experimentally that in specifically design metasurfaces, magneto-plasmons can be used to circumvent this limitation. We find excellent agreement between theory… ▽ More Faraday rotation is a fundamental property present in all non-reciprocal optical elements. In the THz range, graphene displays strong Faraday rotation; unfortunately, it is limited to frequencies below the cyclotron resonance. Here we show experimentally that in specifically design metasurfaces, magneto-plasmons can be used to circumvent this limitation. We find excellent agreement between theory and experiment and provide new physical insights and predictions on these phenomena. Finally, we demonstrate strong tuneability in these metasurfaces using electric and magnetic field biasing. △ Less

Submitted 16 November, 2017; originally announced November 2017.

Comments: 5 pages, 3 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 97, 241410 (2018)

Emergent Causality and the N-photon Scattering Matrix in Waveguide QED

Authors: Eduardo Sánchez-Burillo, Andrea Cadarso, Luis Martín-Moreno, Juan José García-Ripoll, David Zueco

Abstract: In this work we discuss the emergence of approximate causality in a general setup from waveguide QED -i.e. a one-dimensional propagating field interacting with a scatterer. We prove that this emergent causality translates into a structure for the N-photon scattering matrix. Our work builds on the derivation of a Lieb-Robinson-type bound for continuous models and for all coupling strengths, as well… ▽ More In this work we discuss the emergence of approximate causality in a general setup from waveguide QED -i.e. a one-dimensional propagating field interacting with a scatterer. We prove that this emergent causality translates into a structure for the N-photon scattering matrix. Our work builds on the derivation of a Lieb-Robinson-type bound for continuous models and for all coupling strengths, as well as on several intermediate results, of which we highlight (i) the asymptotic independence of space-like separated wave packets, (ii) the proper definition of input and output scattering states, and (iii) the characterization of the ground state and correlations in the model. We illustrate our formal results by analyzing the two-photon scattering from a quantum impurity in the ultrastrong coupling regime, verifying the cluster decomposition and ground-state nature. Besides, we generalize the cluster decomposition if inelastic or Raman scattering occurs, finding the structure of the S-matrix in momentum space for linear dispersion relations. In this case, we compute the decay of the fluorescence (photon-photon correlations) caused by this S-matrix. △ Less

Submitted 25 May, 2017; originally announced May 2017.

Electrically controlled terahertz magneto-optical phenomena in continuous and patterned graphene

Authors: Jean-Marie Poumirol, Peter Q. Liu, Tetiana M. Slipchenko, Alexey Y. Nikitin, Luis Martin-Moreno, Jerome Faist, Alexey. B. Kuzmenko

Abstract: The magnetic circular dichroism and the Faraday rotation are the fundamental phenomena of great practical importance arising from the breaking of the time reversal symmetry by a magnetic field. In most materials the strength and the sign of these effects can be only controlled by the field value and its orientation. Furthermore, the terahertz range is lacking materials having the ability to affect… ▽ More The magnetic circular dichroism and the Faraday rotation are the fundamental phenomena of great practical importance arising from the breaking of the time reversal symmetry by a magnetic field. In most materials the strength and the sign of these effects can be only controlled by the field value and its orientation. Furthermore, the terahertz range is lacking materials having the ability to affect the polarisation state of the light in a non-reciprocal manner. Here we demonstrate, using broadband terahertz magneto-electro-optical spectroscopy, that in graphene both the magnetic circular dichroism and the Faraday rotation can be modulated in intensity, tuned in frequency and, importantly, inverted using only electrostatic doping at a fixed magnetic field. In addition, we observe strong magneto-plasmonic resonances in a patterned array of graphene antidots, which potentially allows exploiting these magneto-optical phenomena in a broad THz range. △ Less

Submitted 7 March, 2017; originally announced March 2017.

Comments: 7 pages, 3 figures, supplementary information included

Journal ref: Nature Communications 8, 14626 (2017)

Tunable plasmon-enhanced birefringence in ribbon array of anisotropic 2D materials

Authors: Kaveh Khaliji, Arya Fallahi, Luis Martin-Moreno, Tony Low

Abstract: We explore the far-field scattering properties of anisotropic 2D materials in ribbon array configuration. Our study reveals the plasmon-enhanced linear birefringence in these ultrathin metasurfaces, where linearly polarized incident light can be scattered into its orthogonal polarization or be converted into circular polarized light. We found wide modulation in both amplitude and phase of the scat… ▽ More We explore the far-field scattering properties of anisotropic 2D materials in ribbon array configuration. Our study reveals the plasmon-enhanced linear birefringence in these ultrathin metasurfaces, where linearly polarized incident light can be scattered into its orthogonal polarization or be converted into circular polarized light. We found wide modulation in both amplitude and phase of the scattered light via tuning the operating frequency or material's anisotropy and develop models to explain the observed scattering behavior. △ Less

Submitted 24 January, 2017; originally announced January 2017.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 95, 201401 (2017)

Polaritons in layered 2D materials

Authors: Tony Low, Andrey Chaves, Joshua D. Caldwell, Anshuman Kumar, Nicholas X. Fang, Phaedon Avouris, Tony F. Heinz, Francisco Guinea, Luis Martin-Moreno, Frank Koppens

Abstract: In recent years, enhanced light-matter interactions through a plethora of dipole-type polaritonic excitations have been observed in two-dimensional (2D) layered materials. In graphene, electrically tunable and highly confined plasmon-polaritons were predicted and observed, opening up opportunities for optoelectronics, bio-sensing and other mid-infrared applications. In hexagonal boron nitride (hBN… ▽ More In recent years, enhanced light-matter interactions through a plethora of dipole-type polaritonic excitations have been observed in two-dimensional (2D) layered materials. In graphene, electrically tunable and highly confined plasmon-polaritons were predicted and observed, opening up opportunities for optoelectronics, bio-sensing and other mid-infrared applications. In hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), low-loss infrared-active phonon-polaritons exhibit hyperbolic behavior for some frequencies, allowing for ray-like propagation exhibiting high quality factors and hyperlensing effects. In transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), reduced screening in the 2D limit leads to optically prominent excitons with large binding energy, with these polaritonic modes having been recently observed with scanning near field optical microscopy (SNOM). Here, we review recent progress in state-of-the-art experiments, survey the vast library of polaritonic modes in 2D materials, their optical spectral properties, figures-of-merit and application space. Taken together, the emerging field of 2D material polaritonics and their hybrids provide enticing avenues for manipulating light-matter interactions across the visible, infrared to terahertz spectral ranges, with new optical control beyond what can be achieved using traditional bulk materials. △ Less

Submitted 7 July, 2017; v1 submitted 14 October, 2016; originally announced October 2016.

Journal ref: Nature Materials 16, 182--194 (2017)

Dynamical signatures of bound states in waveguide QED

Authors: E. Sánchez-Burillo, D. Zueco, L. Martín-Moreno, J. J. García-Ripoll

Abstract: We study the spontaneous decay of an impurity coupled to a linear array of bosonic cavities forming a single-band photonic waveguide. The average frequency of the emitted photon is different from the frequency for single-photon resonant scattering, which perfectly matches the bare frequency of the excited state of the impurity. We study how the energy of the excited state of the impurity influence… ▽ More We study the spontaneous decay of an impurity coupled to a linear array of bosonic cavities forming a single-band photonic waveguide. The average frequency of the emitted photon is different from the frequency for single-photon resonant scattering, which perfectly matches the bare frequency of the excited state of the impurity. We study how the energy of the excited state of the impurity influences the spatial profile of the emitted photon. The farther the energy is from the middle of the photonic band, the farther the wave packet is from the causal limit. In particular, if the energy lies in the middle of the band, the wave packet is localized around the causal limit. Besides, the occupation of the excited state of the impurity presents a rich dynamics: it shows an exponential decay up to intermediate times, this is followed by a power-law tail in the long-time regime, and it finally reaches an oscillatory stationary regime. Finally, we show that this phenomenology is robust under the presence of losses, both in the impurity and the cavities. △ Less

Submitted 21 August, 2017; v1 submitted 30 March, 2016; originally announced March 2016.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. A 96, 023831 (2017)

One- and two-photon scattering from generalized V-type atoms

Authors: Eduardo Sánchez-Burillo, Luis Martín-Moreno, David Zueco, Juan José García-Ripoll

Abstract: The one- and two-photon scattering matrix S is obtained analytically for a one-dimensional waveguide and a point-like scatterer with N excited levels (generalized V -type atom). We argue that the two-photon scattering matrix contains sufficient information to distinguish between different level structures which are equivalent for single-photon scattering, such as a V -atom with N = 2 excited level… ▽ More The one- and two-photon scattering matrix S is obtained analytically for a one-dimensional waveguide and a point-like scatterer with N excited levels (generalized V -type atom). We argue that the two-photon scattering matrix contains sufficient information to distinguish between different level structures which are equivalent for single-photon scattering, such as a V -atom with N = 2 excited levels and two two-level systems. In particular, we show that the scattering with the V -type atom exhibits a destructive interference effect leading to two-photon Coupled-Resonator-Induced Transparency, where the nonlinear part of the two-photon scattering matrix vanishes when each incident photon fulfills a single-photon condition for transparency. △ Less

Submitted 30 November, 2016; v1 submitted 23 March, 2016; originally announced March 2016.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. A 94, 053857 (2016)

Full two-photon downconversion of just a single photon

Authors: E. Sánchez-Burillo, L. Martín-Moreno, J. J. García-Ripoll, D. Zueco

Abstract: We demonstrate, both numerically and analytically, that it is possible to generate two photons from one and only one photon. We characterize the output two photon field and make our calculations close to reality by including losses. Our proposal relies on real or artificial three-level atoms with a cyclic transition strongly coupled to a one-dimensional waveguide. We show that close to perfect dow… ▽ More We demonstrate, both numerically and analytically, that it is possible to generate two photons from one and only one photon. We characterize the output two photon field and make our calculations close to reality by including losses. Our proposal relies on real or artificial three-level atoms with a cyclic transition strongly coupled to a one-dimensional waveguide. We show that close to perfect downconversion with efficiency over 99% is reachable using state-of-the-art Waveguide QED architectures such as photonic crystals or superconducting circuits. In particular, we sketch an implementation in circuit QED, where the three level atom is a transmon. △ Less

Submitted 7 April, 2016; v1 submitted 17 February, 2016; originally announced February 2016.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. A 94, 053814 (2016)

Faraday effect in rippled graphene: Magneto-optics and random gauge fields

Authors: Jürgen Schiefele, Luis Martin-Moreno, Francisco Guinea

Abstract: A beam of linearly polarized light transmitted through magnetically biased graphene can have its axis of polarization rotated by several degrees after passing the graphene sheet. This large Faraday effect is due to the action of the magnetic field on graphene's charge carriers. As deformations of the graphene membrane result in pseudomagnetic fields acting on the charge carriers, the effect of ran… ▽ More A beam of linearly polarized light transmitted through magnetically biased graphene can have its axis of polarization rotated by several degrees after passing the graphene sheet. This large Faraday effect is due to the action of the magnetic field on graphene's charge carriers. As deformations of the graphene membrane result in pseudomagnetic fields acting on the charge carriers, the effect of random mesoscopic corrugations (ripples) can be described as the exposure of graphene to a random pseudomagnetic field. We aim to clarify the interplay of these typically sample inherent fields with the external magnetic bias field and the resulting effect on the Faraday rotation. In principle, random gauge disorder can be identified from a combination of Faraday angle and optical spectroscopy measurements. △ Less

Submitted 1 July, 2016; v1 submitted 12 December, 2015; originally announced December 2015.

Comments: 7 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 94, 035401 (2016)

Absorption-induced transparency metamaterials in the terahertz regime

Authors: Sergio G. Rodrigo, L. Martín-Moreno

Abstract: Contrary to what might be expected, when an organic dye is sputtered onto an opaque holey metal film, transmission bands can be observed at the absorption energies of the molecules. This phenomenon, known as absorption-induced transparency, is aided by a strong modification of the propagation properties of light inside the holes when filled by the molecules. Despite having been initially observed… ▽ More Contrary to what might be expected, when an organic dye is sputtered onto an opaque holey metal film, transmission bands can be observed at the absorption energies of the molecules. This phenomenon, known as absorption-induced transparency, is aided by a strong modification of the propagation properties of light inside the holes when filled by the molecules. Despite having been initially observed in metallic structures in the optical regime, new routes for investigation and applications at different spectral regimes can be devised. Here, in order to illustrate the potential use of absorption induced transparency at terahertz, a method for molecular detection is presented, supported by a theoretical analysis. △ Less

Submitted 17 November, 2015; originally announced November 2015.

Ultra-Efficient Coupling of a Quantum Emitter to the Tunable Guided Plasmons of a Carbon Nanotube

Authors: Luis Martin-Moreno, F. Javier Garcia de Abajo, Francisco J. Garcia-Vidal

Abstract: We show that a single quantum emitter can efficiently couple to the tunable plasmons of a highly doped single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT). Plasmons in these quasi-one-dimensional carbon structures exhibit deep subwavelength confinement that pushes the coupling efficiency close to 100% over a very broad spectral range. This phenomenon takes place for distances and tube diameters comprising the nan… ▽ More We show that a single quantum emitter can efficiently couple to the tunable plasmons of a highly doped single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT). Plasmons in these quasi-one-dimensional carbon structures exhibit deep subwavelength confinement that pushes the coupling efficiency close to 100% over a very broad spectral range. This phenomenon takes place for distances and tube diameters comprising the nanometer and micrometer scales. In particular, we find a beta factor ~1 for QEs placed 1-100 nm away from SWCNTs that are just a few nanometers in diameter, while the corresponding Purcell factor exceeds 10^6. Our finding not only holds great potential for waveguide QED, in which an efficient interaction between emitters and cavity modes is pivotal, but it also provides a way of realizing quantum strong coupling between several emitters mediated by SWCNT plasmons, which can be controlled through the large electro-optical tunability of these excitations. △ Less

Submitted 22 October, 2015; v1 submitted 9 February, 2015; originally announced February 2015.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures, 40 references

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 173601 (2015)

Nonlinear quantum optics in the (ultra)strong light-matter coupling

Authors: Eduardo Sánchez-Burillo, Juanjo García-Ripoll, Luis Martín-Moreno, David Zueco

Abstract: The propagation of $N$ photons in one dimensional waveguides coupled to $M$ qubits is discussed, both in the strong and ultrastrong qubit-waveguide coupling. Special emphasis is placed on the characterisation of the nonlinear response and its linear limit for the scattered photons as a function of $N$, $M$, qubit inter distance and light-matter coupling. The quantum evolution is numerically solved… ▽ More The propagation of $N$ photons in one dimensional waveguides coupled to $M$ qubits is discussed, both in the strong and ultrastrong qubit-waveguide coupling. Special emphasis is placed on the characterisation of the nonlinear response and its linear limit for the scattered photons as a function of $N$, $M$, qubit inter distance and light-matter coupling. The quantum evolution is numerically solved via the Matrix Product States technique. Both the time evolution for the field and qubits is computed. The nonlinear character (as a function of $N/M$) depends on the computed observable. While perfect reflection is obtained for $N/M \cong 1$, photon-photon correlations are still resolved for ratios $N/M= 2/20$. Inter-qubit distance enhances the nonlinear response. Moving to the ultrastrong coupling regime, we observe that inelastic processes are \emph{robust} against the number of qubits and that the qubit-qubit interaction mediated by the photons is qualitatively modified. The theory developed in this work modelises experiments in circuit QED, photonic crystals and dielectric waveguides. △ Less

Submitted 18 October, 2014; originally announced October 2014.

Comments: Comments are wellcome

Journal ref: Faraday Discuss.,178, 335-356 (2015)

Substrate Sensitive Mid-Infrared Photoresponse in Graphene

Authors: Marcus Freitag, Tony Low, Luis Martin-Moreno, Wenjuan Zhu, Francisco Guinea, Phaedon Avouris

Abstract: We report mid-infrared photocurrent spectra of graphene nanoribbon arrays on SiO2 dielectrics showing dual signatures of the substrate interaction. First, hybrid polaritonic modes of graphene plasmons and dielectric surface polar phonons produce a thermal photocurrent in graphene with spectral features that are tunable by gate voltage, nanoribbon width, and light polarization. Secondly, phonon-pol… ▽ More We report mid-infrared photocurrent spectra of graphene nanoribbon arrays on SiO2 dielectrics showing dual signatures of the substrate interaction. First, hybrid polaritonic modes of graphene plasmons and dielectric surface polar phonons produce a thermal photocurrent in graphene with spectral features that are tunable by gate voltage, nanoribbon width, and light polarization. Secondly, phonon-polaritons associated with the substrate are excited, which indirectly heat up the graphene leading to a graphene photocurrent with fixed spectral features. Models for other commonly used substrates show that the responsivity of graphene infrared photodetectors can be tailored to specific mid-IR frequency bands by the choice of the substrate. △ Less

Submitted 28 July, 2014; originally announced July 2014.

Journal ref: ACS Nano 8, pp 8350 (2014)

Second harmonic generation from metallic arrays of rectangular holes

Authors: Sergio G. Rodrigo, V. Laliena, L. Martín-Moreno

Abstract: The generation process of second harmonic (SH) radiation from holes periodically arranged on a metal surface is investigated. Three main modulating factors affecting the optical response are identified: the near-field distribution at the wavelength of the fundamental harmonic, how SH light couples to the diffraction orders of the lattice, and its propagation properties inside the holes. It is show… ▽ More The generation process of second harmonic (SH) radiation from holes periodically arranged on a metal surface is investigated. Three main modulating factors affecting the optical response are identified: the near-field distribution at the wavelength of the fundamental harmonic, how SH light couples to the diffraction orders of the lattice, and its propagation properties inside the holes. It is shown that light generated at the second harmonic can excite electromagnetic modes otherwise inaccessible in the linear regime under normal incidence illumination. It is demonstrated that the emission of SH radiation is only allowed along off-normal paths precisely due to that symmetry. Two different regimes are studied in the context of extraordinary optical transmission, where enhanced linear transmission either occurs through localized electromagnetic modes or is aided by surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). While localized resonances in metallic hole arrays have been previously investigated, the role played by SPPs in SH generation has not been addressed so far. In general, good agreement is found between our calculations (based on the finite difference time domain method) and the experimental results on localized resonances, even though no free fitting parameters were used in describing the materials. It is found that SH emission is strongly modulated by enhanced fields at the fundamental wavelength (either localized or surface plasmon modes) on the glass metal interface. This is so in the transmission side but also in reflection, where emission can only be explained by an efficient tunneling of SH photons through the holes from the output to the input side. Finally, the existence of a dark SPP at the fundamental field is identified through a noninvasive method for the first time, by analyzing the efficiency and far-field pattern distribution in transmission at the second harmonic. △ Less

Submitted 7 January, 2015; v1 submitted 30 June, 2014; originally announced June 2014.

Comments: This paper was published in JOSA B and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://www.opticsinfobase.org/josab/abstract.cfm?URI=josab-32-1-15. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law

Journal ref: J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 32, 15-25 (2015)

Anomalous Reflection Phase of Graphene Plasmons and its Influence on Resonators

Authors: A. Yu. Nikitin, T. Low, L. Martin-Moreno

Abstract: The phase picked up by a graphene plasmon upon scattering by an abrupt edge is commonly assumed to be $-π$. Here, it is demonstrated that for high plasmon momenta this reflection phase is $\approx -3π/4$, virtually independent on either chemical potential, wavelength or dielectric substrate. This non-trivial phase arises from a complex excitation of highly evanescent modes close to the edge, which… ▽ More The phase picked up by a graphene plasmon upon scattering by an abrupt edge is commonly assumed to be $-π$. Here, it is demonstrated that for high plasmon momenta this reflection phase is $\approx -3π/4$, virtually independent on either chemical potential, wavelength or dielectric substrate. This non-trivial phase arises from a complex excitation of highly evanescent modes close to the edge, which are required to satisfy the continuity of electric and magnetic fields. A similar result for the reflection phase is expected for other two-dimensional systems supporting highly confined plasmons (very thin metal films, topological insulators, transition polaritonic layers, etc.). The knowledge of the reflection phase, combined with the phase picked up by the plasmon upon propagation, allows the estimation of resonator properties from the dispersion relation of plasmons in the infinite monolayer. △ Less

Submitted 27 June, 2014; originally announced June 2014.

Comments: accepted to PRB

Scattering in the ultrastrong regime: nonlinear optics with one photon

Authors: Eduardo Sánchez-Burillo, David Zueco, Juanjo García-Ripoll, Luis Martín-Moreno

Abstract: The scattering of a flying photon by a two-level system ultrastrongly coupled to a one-dimensional photonic waveguide is studied numerically. The photonic medium is modeled as an array of coupled cavities and the whole system is analyzed beyond the rotating wave approximation using Matrix Product States. It is found that the scattering is strongly influenced by the single- and multi-photon dressed… ▽ More The scattering of a flying photon by a two-level system ultrastrongly coupled to a one-dimensional photonic waveguide is studied numerically. The photonic medium is modeled as an array of coupled cavities and the whole system is analyzed beyond the rotating wave approximation using Matrix Product States. It is found that the scattering is strongly influenced by the single- and multi-photon dressed bound states present in the system. In the ultrastrong coupling regime a new channel for inelastic scattering appears, where an incident photon deposits energy into the qubit, exciting a photon-bound state, and escaping with a lower frequency. This single-photon nonlinear frequency conversion process can reach up to 50\% efficiency. Other remarkable features in the scattering induced by counter-rotating terms are a blueshift of the reflection resonance and a Fano resonance due to long-lived excited states △ Less

Submitted 22 June, 2014; originally announced June 2014.

Comments: 5+4 pages

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 263604 (2014)