Non-Perturbative Infrared Dynamics
Advances in semiconductor technology have made possible the fabrication of photonic structures and solid state emitters which exhibit quantum nature of light and matter. This has initiated the highly topical field of quantum technologies which deals with utilizing quantum mechanical effects for practical applications.
String Theory
In Dr. Sabieh Anwar’s multi-disciplinary research group, the aim is to explore the fundamental properties of materials, especially at the nanoscale, and their interaction with external radiation such as light or electromagnetic radiation. Some aspects of this research also bear societal implications. For example, the group is developing polarised, miniaturized and mobilized magnetic resonance systems that can revolutionize the outreach of MRI, extending it to on-field inspections and testing, ambulatory medical care in disaster-struck areas, as well as routine analysis in the chemistry lab fume hood. Dr. Anwar’s group also conducts research on the burgeoning field of spin caloritronics.
Quantum Gravity/Quantum Cosmology
The theory of Quantum Mechanics has led to major technological developments in the science industry, and may yet lead to many more novel advancements in the field as well. However, before doing so, it is essential to understand the dynamics of realistic open quantum systems, i.e. systems that interact uncontrollably with the surrounding environment, thereby losing their fragile quantum abilities. Dr. Chaudhry's research tries to answer three big questions: 1. How can the dynamics of open quantum systems be studied?
Cosmology
Causal set theory is an attempt to reconcile General relativity with Quantum Theory. It is what is called a theory of quantum gravity. It assumes that the fundamental reality is not a smooth manifold but is rather a discrete structure called a causal set. Some wonderful results have already come out of the causal set idea. Although a complete quantum version of the causal set idea is still lacking, researchers have been able to point out some important implications of the fundamental discreteness assumed in causal set theory about various puzzles in physics.
Quantum Dynamics
Surface plasmon-polariton (SPP) waves are guided by an interface of a metal and a dielectric material. Due to the localization of SPP waves to the interface, they are important in solar cells, chemical sensors, and plasmonic communication. Dr. Faryad has extensive experience in the study of SPP waves that are guided by interfaces of metal and nanoengineered dielectric materials such as sculptured thin films. Besides surface waves, the sculptured thin films find applications in optical filtering and polarised light sources.
Nanophotonics
The main area of interest is how quantum mechanics changes ideas about space-time. The fundamental uncertainties inherent in quantum mechanics cause severe deformation of space-time structure at very small scales, breaking down the smooth manifold structure of general relativity into something called quantum foam. Dr. Qureshi explores these phenomena by studying field theories on these structures.
Spin and Photon Physics
In Dr. Sabieh Anwar’s multi-disciplinary research group, the aim is to explore the fundamental properties of materials, especially at the nanoscale, and their interaction with external radiation such as light or electromagnetic radiation. Some aspects of this research also bear societal implications. For example, the group is developing polarised, miniaturized and mobilized magnetic resonance systems that can revolutionize the outreach of MRI, extending it to on-field inspections and testing, ambulatory medical care in disaster-struck areas, as well as routine analysis in the chemistry lab fume hood.
