Colloquium – Souvik Biswas

Souvik Biswas, Stanford University

Programming Quantum Materials for Next-Gen Photonics

Abstract

Technological breakthroughs have long been driven by our ability to understand and engineer materials at the atomic scale. Quantum materials, in particular, have recently unlocked exciting opportunities in nanophotonic systems, offering ultrafast speeds, low loss, and compact designs. Despite this promise, current devices face critical challenges, including high noise, limited functionality, and weak light-matter interactions. Overcoming these challenges to realize next-generation quantum and classical technologies requires both comprehensive spectroscopic studies and multifaceted ‘programming’ of quantum materials.

In this talk, I will showcase two examples that highlight the versatility and power of low-dimensional quantum materials as programmable platforms. First, I will discuss optically active spin qubits and their pivotal role in quantum technologies, particularly quantum sensing. I will show how these qubits can be programmed to perform Hamiltonian tomography, detect various quantum and classical signals with enhanced sensitivity, and discuss pathways to surpass the performance of state-of-the-art NV-diamond sensors. Next, I will focus on excitons—bound electron-hole pairs—whose tunable properties offer unique insights into fundamental phenomena such as many-body interactions and atomic-scale defects. Leveraging the exceptional programmability of excitons in low-dimensional systems, I will present experimental results demonstrating high-dynamic-range polarization and spatial light modulation with atomic-scale control. These advancements lay the foundation for critical components in next-generation photonics, including compact electro-optic modulators, sensors, and light sources. Looking ahead, these programmable systems have the potential to transform metrology, imaging, communication, and quantum interconnects.

Bio

Souvik Biswas is a postdoctoral research affiliate in Jelena Vučković’s group at Stanford University in Electrical Engineering. His research focuses on developing high-fidelity, scalable quantum systems by leveraging solid-state spin-photon interfaces, including low-dimensional materials, diamond, and silicon carbide. He received his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from the California Institute of Technology working with Harry Atwater, where he focused on spectroscopic studies of engineered excitons in two-dimensional materials and the development of atomically thin reconfigurable nanophotonics. His work has been recognized by 2024 LSA Rising Stars of Light, 2024 Rising Stars in MSE, and 2022 MRS Graduate Student Gold Award.

Joint Colloquium with Dept. of Biological Sciences
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Talk: 4:00 PM, Stevenson Center 4327
Light snacks provided at 3:45 PM in the lobby