Macroscopic Quantum States of Light and Matter: New Interaction Principles from Visible-to-Telecom 2026-2030
We will discover new physical principles for photon interactions, which are typically very weak at the microscopic level, in solid-state systems through macroscopic quantum states of light and matter. Specifically, we focus on Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC), where many particles behave as a single coherent matter wave. Unlike atomic BEC that require deep cooling, we will create and manipulate light-matter BEC at room temperature and achieve optical interactions at the single-photon level, enabling state readout and manipulation without destroying the condensate. The goal is to uncover new interaction mechanisms, develop control methods over BEC properties, and translate them into telecom-compatible on-chip photonic circuits for high-bandwidth information processing.
In collaboration with Assist. Prof. Anton Zasedatelev, Macroscopic Quantum Optics, Aalto University.
The Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation
Integrated Optical Vortex Comb (VORTEX) 2024–2028
Escalating global challenges require innovative solutions to advance energy efficiency in information processing, communication, and environmental monitoring technologies. Photons, with their inherent capacity to encode vast amount of information in polarization and orbital angular momentum (OAM), offer a unique medium for addressing these challenges.
We propose a compact and efficient solution for generating and receiving optical vortex combs, where each frequency comb line is associated with a distinct OAM quantum number, thereby radically increasing the OAM dimensionality of light. In addition to advancing the known applications of OAM light, such as quantum optics and information technology, the VORTEX project opens entirely new interdisciplinary research directions. As an example, we will introduce a powerful method for broadband optical spectroscopy and sensing using OAM light.
In collaboration with Prof. Markku Vainio, Laser spectroscopy, University of Helsinki
Research Council of Finland, Decision 2024/362376 .
Photonics Research and Innovation platform – 12.2026
Photonics Research and Innovation platform PREIN focuses on light-based solutions from scientific excellence to industrial and societal impact.
Revealing drug tolerant persister cells in cancer using contrast enhanced optical coherence and photoacoustic tomography (REAP) 2021-2025
In REAP we envision to provide imaging systems useful across multiple scales to reveal drug tolerant persister cells in a preclinical setting. We will develop a triple modal two-photon laser scanning – optical coherence – photoacoustic microscopy for in vitro investigations as well as a dual modal optical coherence photoacoustic tomography for in vivo applications.
Micro-ring resonator-based (MRR) detector will be developed for superior sensitivity.