Terahertz Dynamics in Semiconductor Nanostructures

The Sherwin group focuses on experimental investigations of the dynamics of electrons and holes in nanometer-sized semiconductor structures driven by Terahertz-frequency electromagnetic fields (1 THz=10¹² Hz). These are quantum systems which are of fundamental interest, and also have the potential for a significant impact on future electronic and photonic technology. UCSB, with the world-class capability for fabrication of semiconductor nanostructures in its Materials Department, and the unique facilities, talents and expertise of the Center for Terahertz Science and Technology of the Quantum Institute, is arguably the best institution in the world at which to explore Terahertz dynamics in semiconductor nanostructures.

Specific research topics of the Sherwin group are:  

• Quantum computation with quantum dots and Terahertz cavity quantum electrodynamics. (this work is part of the Center for Spintronics and Quantum Computation)
• Terahertz-frequency electro-optics, and "quasienergy spectroscopy" of quantum wells in strong THz fields.
• Collective THz dynamics of electrons in quantum wells, including a search for bifurcations and chaos in doped quantum wells driven by intense THz radiation.
• Development of ultrasensitive quantum-well-based tunable antenna-coupled intersubband terahertz (TACIT) detectors for applications on earth, air and space.

View publications.

Back to research.