Analogy between the physics of quantum confinement of electrons and optical waveguides 

Contacts:

Il-Sug Chung (Associate Prof.), DTU Fotonik, 4525-6383 (ilch@fotonik.dtu.dk)

Jesper Mørk (Prof.), DTU Fotonik, 4525-5765 (jm@fotonik.dtu.dk)

One learns from courses on Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics that electromagnetic waves are described by Maxwell’s equations while electrons are described by Schrodinger’s equation. Electromagnetic waves and electrons appear quite different, but their fundamental properties share many similarities. In this project, we will study the similarities and differences between these systems using physical modeling, mathematics and numerical simulations.  Reflecting on the analogy between electromagnetic (photonic) and electronic systems will improve your understanding of the physics of these systems – and developing a strong physical intuition is a key to getting new ideas.

In this course 

(1) You will study the fundamental properties of confined electromagnetic waves and electrons; a waveguide and a quantum well. This will involve “basic” physics and serve as a reminder or primer of Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics; really basic!  J

(2) You will semi-analytically and numerically solve the waveguide and quantum well system to find the allowed energy states. You will use a numerical tool, i.e., Matlab or COMSOL. Knowing how to use Matlab or COMSOL is becoming a must for engineers and physicists. If you don’t know how to use them yet, this is a good chance.

(3) You will analyze the results and reflect on the similarities and differences between the waveguide and quantum well systems. This will sharpen your understanding of the physics of Electromagnetic and Quantum mechanical systems

In the Nanophotonics group at DTU Fotonik, we are researching light-matter interaction at the fundamental level, both experimentally and theoretically, with the aim of realizing new devices for information and quantum technology. A good example is the laser shown in the figure below. In the laser, light is generated from quantum wells though a process called stimulated emission. The present project will serve as a good introduction to the world of Nanophotonics.

(Left) Cross-section of a laser that can be used to communicate between the processors of a computer. The red stripe designates multiple quantum wells. (Right) Optical mode profile in this laser resonator structure.