Quantum entanglement of molecules in plasmonic nanocavities

When light illuminates nano-sized metallic structures, the free electrons in the metal collectively oscillate, creating `plasmons’. By specifically designing the geometry and arrangement of the nano-metallic structures, one can direct and concentrate light at small enough volumes, to create nanoplasmonic cavities that can enclose just few molecules. The light (plasmon) and molecule (matter) continuously exchange energy at such rapid rate that they blend together to form hybrid states at room temperature (strong coupling regime). We recently shown that one can control the quantum state and interaction between these molecules to engineer new quantum states. However, so far it is not well known how to achieve entanglement with molecules with such plasmonic systems. 

This PhD project will focus on developing the necessary theoretical tools, using cavity quantum electrodynamic (QED) descriptions, to model and understand this complex interaction between plasmons and molecules, to reveal the necessary procedures to fully entangle two or more molecules in plasmonic nanocavities. 

The PhD candidate should have completed (or about to complete) his/her undergraduate degree in Physics (preferably with first class honours or equivalent). The PhD candidate is expected to have keen interest on Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Optics and Electromagnetism and good mathematical skills. 

The project will take place in the Nanophotonics group of Prof Angela Demetriadou (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/physics/demetriadou-angela.aspx), which is part of the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics group (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/physics/quantum/metamaterials/index.aspx) in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham. The candidate will also work very closely with the Nanophotonics group based at University of Cambridge. 

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.

You can apply here: https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS005.htm

clearly stating the title of the project, the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics group and the name of the supervisor (Prof Angela Demetriadou).