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Overview:
The development of terahertz (THz) technology has brought
a new dimension to time-resolved spectroscopy. THz time-domain
spectroscopy allows the motion of electrons when interacting
with light to be studied. Roland Kersting focuses his research
on the quantum dynamical properties of coherent excitations
in semiconductors. These dynamics give the most fundamental
description of all transient properties of electrons in semiconductors.
This understanding of the phase of an electronic excitation
offers the potential for the development of entirely new devices,
ranging from classical photonics to quantum computers.
Technical Description:
Kersting explains that semiconductor heterostructures are
an outstanding material for quantum optical investigations
with THz pulses in that their transition frequencies can be
tailored by modern semiconductor growth technologies; they
are electronically controllable; they can have enormous mobilities;
and – perhaps most important – their gigantic dipole
moments make for an excellent coupling to THz pulses. This
allows Kersting's group to study electronic excitations where
the involved quantum dynamics are fully resolved in amplitude
and phase. Of particular interest to his research are those
dynamics that lead to a loss of electronic coherence, known
as decoherence, within the semiconductor. Decoherence is one
of the most limiting factors in the development of quantum
optical devices.
Another milestone towards THz quantum optics
is the demonstration of nonlinear excitation dynamics. Currently,
Kersting's group is developing the required technology for
such experiments. Future research will focus on the dynamics
of absorption saturation, Rabi-flopping and the dynamics that
lead to the build-up and decay of so-called dressed states.
Kersting's research targets one of the most
exciting challenges in modern physics – the development
of a quantum computer. By fulfilling speed, scalability, and
parallelizability criterion, THz excitations in semiconductor
heterostructures remain one of the most promising opportunities
for realizing a quantum computer. Kersting's current research
on decoherence and possible quantum operations is a first
step towards this major opportunity.
Contact Information:
Roland Kersting
Assistant Professor, Department of Physics
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th Street
Troy, NY 12180-3590
(518) 276-3092
mailto:kerstr@rpi.edu
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