Jonathan Simon
Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
Date
15 March 2017
Host
Tilman Esslinger
Title
Building Quantum Materials from Light
Abstract
I will present recent work realizing topological phases of light generated using a non-planar optical resonator to induce a Lorentz force on photons. In particular, I will describe our exploration of Landau levels on a cone and validation of the Wen-Zee theory of topological physics in curved space. Finally, I will discuss ongoing work to mediate interactions between photons using Rydberg atoms, plus techniques we are developing to assemble photonic few-body states both photon-by-photon and through engineered dissipation.
Jonathan Simon (right) with Tilman Esslinger