Strongly correlated electron–photon systems

Abstract

An important goal of modern condensed matter physics involves the search for states of matter with new emergent properties and desirable functionalities. Although the tools for material design remain relatively limited, notable advances have been recently achieved by controlling interactions at hetero-interfaces 1 , precise alignment of low-dimensional materials 2 and the use of extreme pressures 3 . Here, we highlight a new paradigm, based on controlling light-matter interactions, which provides a new way to manipulate and synthesize strongly correlated quantum matter. We consider the case in which both electron-electron and electron-photon interactions are strong and give rise to a variety of novel phenomena. Photon-mediated superconductivity, cavity-fractional quantum Hall physics and optically driven topological phenomena in low dimensions are amongst the frontiers discussed in this perspective, which puts a spotlight on a new field that we term here "strongly-correlated electron-photon science."

Displacive ion movements induced by localised surface plasmon resonance

“…The observations in this study could also be applicable for light stimulation of physical phenomena influenced by the cooperative JT effect, such as metal-insulator transition, superconductivity, and colossus magnetoresistance. 7,39,40 Furthermore, the LSPR-induced JT effect could provide an alternative to elucidate the interaction between functions and atomic configuration in NCs.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] LSPR is a collective oscillation of free carriers, and has been an important method to stimulate light-matter interactions by controlling the states of matter by changing properties and functions. 7,8 The light-to-matter interaction in LSPR of conventional noble metal nanocrystals (NCs) has been limited to the stimulation of the collective mode. [9][10][11] The collective oscillation of free carriers in LSPR leads to the stimulation of the phonon mode.…”

Transport in electron-photon systems

“…Electron and photon interaction plays an important role in our understanding of basic physics in condensed matter, atomic physics, and nano-optics (Bloch et al, 2022;Tannoudji et al, 1989). It is also the principle governing photosynthesis and thermal radiation, and underpins many functioning devices such as lasers and solar cells.…”

“…A more complete theory is developed by Lifshitz from fluctuational electrodynamics for nonzero temperatures (Lifshitz, 1956). The effect is small, and experimental verification was only attained much later in the 1980s and 90s (van Blokland and Overbeek, 1978;Garrett et al, 2018;Klimchitskaya et al, 2009;Lamoreaux, 1997;Mohideen and Roy, 1998;Obrecht et al, 2007). These forces can be utilized for ultra-sensitive measuring devices (Stange et al, 2021).…”

Displacive ion movements induced by localised surface plasmon resonance

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] LSPR involves the collective oscillation of free carriers, and has been an important method to stimulate light-matter interactions by controlling the states of matter by changing properties and functions. 7,8 The light-to-matter interaction in LSPR of conventional noble metal nanocrystals (NCs) has been limited to the stimulation of the collective mode. [9][10][11] Collective oscillation of free carriers in LSPR leads to stimulation of the phonon mode.…”