Quantum light-controlled topological phases of matter

Introduction

Using quantum light to control material properties is an emergent field of research that is sparked by the recent experimental advances in controlling chemical reactions, enhancing transport in semiconductors, or even inducing superconductivity in polymers.

Research Focus

Inducing topological phases of matter with light is a particularly interesting research direction due to their robustness and their possible application in quantum technologies. This theoretical proposal will focus specifically on using the quantum nature of light to probe, control, and engineer topological phases of matter arising in solid-state materials coupled to cavity photons.

Study of Heterostructures

I will study semiconductor-superconductor heterostructures, which have been under intense experimental scrutiny recently in the context of topological superconductivity, coupled to cavity photons with the aim of distinguishing trivial from topological zero-energy bound states arising in such setups.

Cavity Response Investigation

Cavity response will also be investigated as a tool for probing corner states in second-order topological superconductors. This proposal will explore how to control topological phase transitions in various topological materials, including:

1. Semiconductor-superconductor heterostructures
2. Strongly coupled light systems

Topological Characterization

The project will also focus on the topological characterization of the hybrid polaritonic light-matter excitations arising in such systems.

Project Goals

The overarching goal of this project is to propose a protocol for engineering topological states in initially trivial electronic materials with quantum light.

Implementation Requirements

The implementation of this proposal requires a study of various coupling regimes between a solid-state material and quantum light, and is based on my experience in mesoscopic physics and circuit quantum electrodynamics.

Future Implications

Moreover, the design of new topological systems will help to move forward the field of quantum technologies.