MS-2: Light-matter interaction at atomic scales

Organiser: Dr. Alberto Martín Jiménez, IMDEA Nanociencia, Spain

Co-organiser: Dr. Anna Roslawska, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Germany

About this Mini-Symposia:
This Mini Symposium aims to gather expert researchers working on the rapidly growing field of studying light-matter interaction at atomic scales. Novel technologies from diverse branches, such as quantum computing, optoelectronics, sensing, catalysis, energy harvesting, and energy storage, require controlling light-matter interactions with the best possible precision. The ultimate coupling between light and matter can be achieved by placing a quantum emitter or a 2D material inside a plasmonic nanocavity. Previously, the nanophotonics and nanoplasmonics communities have addressed this research topic, however, without atomic-scale spatial sensitivity, which is critical since many key phenomena arise at the scale of an individual system.

Scientific Topic:
STM electroluminescence, tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence, ultrafast STM

Research Scope:
Our research focuses on investigating light-matter interactions at the atomic spatial scale. To achieve this extreme precision, we combine scanning tunneling microscopy with optical detection and excitation. Electroluminescence experiments with the STM have allowed Alberto Martin-Jimenez to investigate the electronic and optical properties of nanoscale objects with atomic spatial resolution. To track ultrafast electronic motion in molecules in their natural space and time scales (picometer and attosecond scales, respectively), he has worked on pioneering experiments combining ultrashort laser pulses with STM. He also worked on the development of time-resolved tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Currently, he is investigating the ultrafast charge transfer between individual donor and acceptor molecules and the strong coupling of single quantum emitters embedded in an STM nanocavity. Anna Roslawska uses electroluminescence and photoluminescence methods combined with STM to investigate fundamental processes occurring in molecular systems such as energy transfer, interaction of molecules with metallic structures as well as using light to steer photochemical reactions with sub-nm precision and following the formation of individual excitons. Her studies show that the methods of atomic-scale optics can provide a better understanding of mechanisms behind light harvesting, photochemistry, and operation of light-emitting diodes or quantum light sources.