Vibrational Strong Coupling at the Small N Limit
Abstract
My research focuses on the challenge of reaching molecular vibrational strong coupling (VSC) with fewer molecules, aiming for the small N limit (around 1,000 to 10,000 molecules), much less than the tens of billions typically studied. At this level, it s unclear how the coupling strength, essential for VSC, affects each molecule and the role of dark modes in the process. Achieving VSC with a small number of molecules could significantly influence chemical reactions, even with dark modes present, and enhance optical nonlinearity. My goal is to discover how VSC alters chemical reactions and photonic behavior at this scale and whether molecular polaritons could act as efficient optical switches, showing quantum behavior at the small N limit. This work extends from my previous accomplishments in VSC dynamics, utilizing an advanced optical microscope soon to be operational in my lab. I aim to answer how polariton chemistry changes with the number of molecules and the potential for new quantum photonic applications. The outcome of this project will boost light-matter interactions for nanophotonics, addressing ONR goals in new photonic telecom tools. It will explore polariton chemistry to enhance IR optical switches and advance quantum technologies, promising improvements in Navy communications, navigation, and computing for defense and security.Approved for public release.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 11, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412262
Entities
People
- Wei Xiong
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, San Diego