Life-mimetic nano-photonics

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Energy management, sustainability and spontaneous phenomena have been our primary areas of investigation in recent years. We have studied how natural processes in photonics can stimulate new sustainable solutions. In an expanded vision, we will learn more from life and evolution to discover new resources, new markets and new solutions for our communities. The proposed research program will focus on bioinspired and self-organized nonlinear and nanophotonic technologies. Building on our current research, we will follow three parallel objectives: 1. The study of non-local optical processes in which two distant light beams interact through the diffusion of excitations in photosensitive two-dimensional materials. The concept will unlock fast low-power signal processing functions in order to build a life-mimetic analog processor. Our ultimate aim is to develop and experiment on an optical paradigm of artificial intelligence. A tool that we can train and trick in a lab in order to learn more about decision making, brain disorder and diseases, teaching/learning, and refine our understanding of human thinking. It will bridge gaps between neurosciences and physics, for the benefit of all the citizen of our country. 2. The exploration of new antenna-designs and rectification concepts (the asymmetric emission of electrons) for advanced rectifying antenna-based detectors and sensors. We will develop photo-catalytically self-assembled nano-antennas that maximize light harvesting under specific light conditions. Our long-term objective is to maximize light-matter interaction using natural self-organization for the development of specific machine vision and sensing devices. Self-organized detectors are expected to bridge gaps between photonics, animal vision and evolution. 3. The light-controlled photocatalytic growth of metals to build nano-sculptured thin-films. We will study the effects of chiral optical layouts, optical interferences and coherent control on the electron emission and metal growth process. Our ultimate objective is to develop new methods for the directed and oriented synthesis of materials at surfaces and for chiral synthesis. Light-controlled photocatalysis is expected to provide an alternative scenario to the origin of the homo-chirality of life on Earth. It will also instruct us about the handedness of life on exoplanets. Twenty-two highly qualified personnel will be hired with our long tradition of equity, diversity and inclusivity. They will collaborate on the research and enhance their skills at the boundaries of fundamental and applied disciplines.