Theo Wollschlegel

PhD thesis: TBC

My research interests lie at the intersection of materials research, optics and quantum mechanics. Spatially confining and controlling single electrons within a material allows us to probe fascinating new physics at the forefront of quantum mechanics. Optically exciting the electron can be used to generate single photons through the formation of excitons. Interactions between electrons and light allow us to tailor photonic states to our needs or even pump the material around the electron to a desired state. This opens up a wealth of new applications in quantum communications and quantum computing. Even more interesting are the creative ways to achieve electronic confinement. Some of the most fascinating approaches are depositing metallic gates on 2-dimensional materials or using the underlying periodicity of layered materials, so called Moiré patterns, to control the state of the electrons.

Who or what inspired you to pursue your research interests?

My fascination with nanomaterials has been sparked by a number of really great lecturers I had during my undergraduate and Master’s degrees (special thanks to Professors Rachel Grange and Thomas Ihn in the unlikely case that they read this text). They made me fall in love with the interdisciplinary nature of the field, as well as the rich new physics revealed at the nanoscale. My previous research projects with quantum dots have further deepened my interest and convinced me to pursue a PhD in physics.