Seminar Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM PT
Location: 67-3111 & Zoom
Talk Title: Quantum control of exciton (and photon) wave functions in 2D semiconductors
Zoom recording (available for 30 days)
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Abstract
I will present a technique using nanostructured gate electrodes to create tailored potential landscapes for excitons in 2D semiconductors, enabling in situ wave function shaping at the nanoscale. Building upon previous work [1], this new approach forms electrostatic traps for excitons in various geometries, such as quantum dots, rings, and arrays thereof. We show independent spectral tuning of spatially separated quantum dots, achieving spectral degeneracy despite material disorder. Owing to the strong light-matter coupling of excitons in 2D semiconductors, we observe unambiguous signatures of confined exciton wave functions in optical reflection and photoluminescence measurements [2]. If time allows, I will present early-stage efforts toward the realization of hybrid polaritonic states involving quantum-confined excitons and photons. This work opens possibilities for engineering exciton dynamics and interactions at the nanometer scale, with implications for optoelectronic devices, topological photonics, and quantum nonlinear optics.
[1] D. Thureja, […], P. A. Murthy, Electrically tunable quantum confinement of neutral excitons. Nature 606, 298–304 (2022).
[2] J. Hu, […], T. Chervy, Quantum control of exciton wave functions in 2D semiconductors. Sci. Adv.10, eadk6369 (2024).
Bio:
Thibault Chervy’s main research interest is at the interface between optics and complex materials. By confining photons inside correlated and topological media, he aims to realize emergent phases of light, such as bosonic fractional quantum Hall effects and quantum spin liquids. Conversely, his work explores how complex phases of matter can be transformed by engineering their electromagnetic environment.
