Optical engineering & quantum optics (OPTICS)

optics

This research pole deals with the engineering of optical devices whose numerical modelling is computationally expensive. We develop for this purpose bio-inspired optimisation techniques (genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, etc), which account for the specificities of optical systems and eventually provide globally optimal solutions.

We also explore foundational issues in quantum mechanics and quantum optics, both theoretically and experimentally, in particular using the concept of weak measurements (for example: three-box paradox, Cheshire cat, geometric phases in weak values, photon trajectories…). We also develop advanced spectroscopies based on weak measurements, or that exploit the quantum nature of light and the special properties of entangled photons.

Keywords: Optical Engineering, Genetic Algorithms, Nonlinear Optics, Quantum Optics, Weak Measurements, Quantum information

Contact: Alexandre Mayer and Yves Caudano

Relevant references:

  • Mayer, S. Griesse-Nascimento, H. Bi, E. Mazur and M. Lobet, Optimization by a genetic algorithm of pyramidal structures made of one, two or three stacks of metal/dielectric layers for a quasi-perfect broadband absorption of UV to near-infrared radiations, Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 11344, p. 113441L-1-13 (2020).
  • Mayer and M. Lobet, A genetic algorithm for addressing computationally expensive optimization problems in optical engineering, Jordan Journal of Physics. 12, p. 17-36 (2019).
  • M. Fernandez Alvarez, A. Mayer and O. Deparis, Light scattering spectroscopy combined with Principal Component Analysis for animal species identification in historical parchments, 2019, Proceedings of OSA Advanced Photonics Congress. OSA – The Optical Society, 2 p. NoT2B.4
  • Cormann and Y. Caudano, Geometric description of modular and weak values in discrete quantum systems using the Majorana representation, J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 50 (2017) 305302 (doi : 10.1088/1751-8121/aa7639).
  • Cormann, M. Remy, B. Kolaric and Y. Caudano, Revealing geometric phases in modular and weak values with a quantum eraser, Phys. Rev. A 93 (2016) 042124 (doi : 10.1103/PhysRevA.93.042124).
  • Kolaric, B. Maes, K. Clays, T. Durt and Y. Caudano, Strong Light–Matter Coupling as a New Tool for Molecular and Material Engineering: Quantum Approach, Advanced Quantum Technologies 1 (2018) 1800001 (doi : 10.1002/qute.201800001).