Optics of Complex System

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

July 2015 - Realization of a light fueled micro-walker.

See Light-Fueled Microscopic Walkers in Advanced Materials, Vol 27, pp 3883.

June 2015 - Study of biophotonic structure in Cyphochilus beetle.

See Anisotropic Light Transport in White Beetle Scales in Advanced Materials, Vol 27, pp 3883.

April 2015 - Realization of optically tunable polymeric photonic devices

See Optically controlled elastic microcavities in Light: Science and Applications, Vol 4, e282.

April 2015 - Realization of 3D light activated microstructures

See High-resolution 3D direct laser writing for liquid-crystalline elastomer microstructures in Advanced Materials, Vol 26, 2319.

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.

OPTICS OF

COMPLEX SYSTEMS

News