Physics Commons^™

Nonlinear Processes In Room Temperature Exciton-Polaritons, Prathmesh Deshmukh

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Strong light-matter coupling in solid state systems is an intriguing process that allows one to exploit the advantages of both light and matter. In this context, microcavities have become essential platforms for studying the strong coupling regime, where hybrid light-matter states known as exciton-polaritons form, leading to enhanced light matter interaction, modified material properties, and novel quantum phenomena. In this thesis, we explore the phenomenology of exciton-polaritons in strained TMD microcavities, 2D perovskites, fluorescent proteins and organic dyes encompassing thermalization, polariton lasing, and the observation of nonlinear effects.

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have emerged as a remarkable class of two- …

Dynamics Of Spin And Charge Of Color Centers In Diamond Under Cryogenic Conditions, Richard G. Monge

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Individual quantum systems in semiconductors are currently the most sought-after platform for applications in quantum science. Most notably, the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond features a defect deep within the electronic bandgap, making it amenable for precise manipulation to help pave the way to perform fundamental quantum physics experimentation. The NV center also offers long coherence times and versatile spin-dependent fluorescent properties, making it an ideal candidate for a nanoscale magnetometer. Furthermore, multi-color excitation offers deterministic charge state manipulation. While ambient operation has been key to their appeal, bringing NVs to cryogenic conditions opens new opportunities for alternate forms of …

Tunable Linear And Nonlinear Metasurfaces Based On Hybrid Gold-Graphene Plasmons, Matthew Feinstein

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Optical Metasurfaces are planar structures that are patterned with subwavelength structures and are very thin compared to the wavelength of light. Despite their thinness, these structured materials can strongly interact with incident light to effect the functionalities of conventional optical components, such as rotation of the polarization state, beam steering, lensing, spectral filtering, and holography, to name a few. Metasurfaces can also facilitate nonlinear optical effects, such as the mixing of beams at different frequencies to generate a beam at a new frequency.

The ability to alter the behavior of a metasurface during operation is highly desired for applications such …

Characterization Of Boreal-Arctic Vegetation Growth Phases And Active Soil Layer Dynamics In The High-Latitudes Of North America: A Study Combining Multi-Year In Situ And Satellite-Based Observations, Michael G. Brown

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This dissertation examined the seasonal freeze/thaw activity in boreal-Arctic soils and vegetation physiology in Alaska, USA and Alberta, Canada, using in situ environmental measurements and passive microwave satellite observations. The boreal-Arctic high-latitudes have been experiencing ecosystem changes more rapidly in comparison to the rest of Earth due to the presently warming climatic conditions having a magnified effect over Polar Regions. Currently, the boreal-Arctic is a carbon sink; however, recent studies indicate a shift over the next century to become a carbon source. High-latitude vegetation and cold soil dynamics are influenced by climatic shifts and are largely responsible for the regions …