Exploring new degrees of freedom in optical quantum materials
The State Key Laboratory of Optical Quantum Materials brings together photonics and two-dimensional materials to develop quantum materials and metamaterials. Focusing on ultrafast processes and topological structures, the Laboratory supports technological innovation in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area.
With light–matter interactions at its core, the Laboratory connects photon physics, low-dimensional condensed-matter physics, micro- and nanoscale device physics, and information science to explore the control and interconversion of multiple photonic and electronic quantum degrees of freedom.
Establishing the fundamental physics foundations for next-generation information technologies.
Research focus and scientific goals
By combining engineered photonic structures with low-dimensional quantum materials, we investigate effective interactions between optical and electronic information, laying the physical foundations for new quantum optoelectronic devices.
Intersecting fields
Photon physics
Optical fields, photonic structures and optical response
Low-dimensional condensed-matter physics
Quantum materials, quantum states and elementary excitations
Device physics and information science
Micro- and nanoscale device structures, information carriers and integration
Core scientific questions
Scale matching and ultrastrong light–matter coupling
We combine metamaterials, nanophotonic structures and low-dimensional quantum materials to investigate effective interactions between optical fields and electronic systems at micro- and nanoscales, and explore new physics and control mechanisms in ultrastrong coupling.
Exploring new degrees of freedom
We investigate spin, valley, orbital and layer-pseudospin degrees of freedom, and their coupling, control and interconversion with photonic degrees of freedom, to establish physical foundations for new quantum information carriers and devices.
Long-term vision
Towards highly integrated hybrid photonic–electronic quantum chips
Through the coordinated control and interconversion of multiple photonic and electronic degrees of freedom, we aim to explore new quantum optoelectronic devices and large-scale integrated systems.
Research foundations
Metamaterials
Engineering optical properties and field responses
Nanophotonics
Controlling optical fields at micro- and nanoscales
2D materials
Exploring quantum states and material platforms
Topological physics
Investigating topology and novel states of matter
Building a world-class research team in quantum science
The Laboratory aims to build a world-class research team at the frontier of quantum science, advancing interdisciplinary research and technological innovation to support scientific and technological development in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.