OPTICS OF
COMPLEX SYSTEMS
The
group is interested in the optical properties of complex photonic
structures like photonic (quasi) crystals and disordered materials. We
study on one side the fundamental physics of light transport in these
materials, which is a very interdisciplinary topic and finds
fascinating analogies in solid state physics (electron and phonon
transport) and atomic physics (matter wave transport). On the other
hand, we are interested in applications of such structures for the
realization of photonic devices like optical switches, light sources,
and photonic circuits. We feel that fundamental research is crucial in
forming the basis out of which real-life photonic devices can
eventually be developed.
News
November 2009 - Job opening for a PhD and postdoc position in the group. More information.
July 2008 - Realization of a random laser whose lasing properties are controlled by Mie resonances.
See Resonance-driven random lasing
in Nature Photonics, Vol 2, pp 429.
22 May 2008 - Observation of a Lévy flight for light in a new material called
Lévy glass.
See flights of fancy
in Nature, Vol 453, pp 427, and Light takes off for Lévy flight
at optics.org.
3 May 2008 - Review on The physics and applications of random lasers in Nature Physics, vol 4, page 359-367 (2008). Link.