Nanoscale nonlinear optics

The miniaturisation of photonic components down to nanometre scale leads to high light concentration such that a few photons can dynamically modify the nanostructures. The nature of such intensity-dependent modifications forms the new field of Nanoscale nonlinear optics and provides the key for functional photonic devices. This project will elucidate the fundamentals of light manipulation at subwavelength scale by determining the mechanisms for light-matter nonlinear interactions in a range of dielectric and metallic nanostructures. The project will establish novel schemes for optical ultra-low power switching, amplification, and conversion. It will open new avenues for photonic integration, essential in light-speed computer technologies.