2025 New Initiative Grant
Martin Claassen, Ph.D. (PI) Assistant Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy , University of Pennsylvania
Liang Wu, Ph.D. (Co-Investigator) Associate Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania
Hybrid Phases of Light and Matter in Strongly-Correlated Cavity Quantum Materials
Abstract
This research aims to better understand how light and the fluctuations of photons can alter the magnetic and electronic properties of materials. The proposal utilizes a novel experimental approach that includes placing materials in optical cavities, structures that trap and shape light at the scale of single photons, in order to measure the “fingerprints” of quantum properties of light as it passes through the cavities. If successful, Dr. Claassen and Dr. Wu will reveal and harness entirely new states where light and matter become inseparably intertwined. This research has implications in advancing technologies in quantum sensing and information. The Scientific Advisory Board was excited by how the proposal leveraged Dr. Wu’s expertise in fabricating quantum materials with Dr. Claassen’s expertise in strong light-matter coupling.