Presentation of the Quantum Optoelectronics group
The Quantum Optoelectronics team has is specialized in the study of the electronic and optical properties of semiconductor materials and nanostructures, with a focus on the spin physics of electronic states. Its research covers a wide range of activities, from basic research to practical applications and valorization, with a strong commitment to training through research and teaching. The team develops innovative spectroscopic investigation tools, often combining spatial and temporal resolution. These tools make it possible to analyze nano-objects or semiconductor materials, fabricated by mechanical exfoliation (and transfer) within the team on the Exfolab platform, by molecular beam epitaxy in collaboration with French and international partners, and by chemical synthesis (LPCNO…).
The fundamental research activity is part of the general themes of the physics of two-dimensional materials (2D semiconductors based on transition metal dichalcogenides TMDs), spin physics and spintronics in semiconductors, and quantum technologies, which are the subject of strong international competition. The core of the team’s activity is based on the study of the optical and excitonic properties of TMDs and associated van der Waals heterostructures, a field for which it has been internationally recognized since 2011/2012, with pioneering work on the original spin/valley properties and excitons in these materials, and on the encapsulation of TMDs by hBN in order to obtain record results in terms of optical quality (line width) of fabricated samples. The team’s expertise is also enhanced by more applied research, in collaboration with public or industrial partners, in areas such as optical telecommunications, component testing for space and nanomaterials for photocatalysis and photovoltaics.
The different activities are divided into 4 axes:
– Excitonic optical properties of van der Waals heterostructures based on 2D materials : TMD Transition Metal Dichalcogenides TMD (MoS2, WSe2…), hBN…
Optical and spin/valley properties of neutral excitons, study of charged excitonic species (trions, multi-charged excitons…), Light-exciton interaction (Quantum electrodynamics), Excitonic properties of bilayers, Imaging of excitonic transport, Ferroelectricity…
– Spin physics in semiconductors: TMDs, Silicon, (Ga,In)(As,N,Bi), SpinLEDs, …
– Physics for quantum technologies : Rydberg excitons in Cu2O, Defects in hBN (Boron gaps) and TMDs, production of entangled photons from 2D materials,..
– Physics for devices: Components for telecommunications, Testing of components under laser irradiation, Photovoltaics, Photocatalysis, etc.
