At the Hughes Group: Theoretical Quantum and Nanophotonics, we carry out theoretical and computational investigations of the light-matter processes in photonic nanostructures, and explore the consequences of these for next-generation nano and quantum technologies. Our research blends a fascinating mix of optics, condensed matter physics, quantum mechanics, nano physics, and computational physics.
We collaborate with leading laboratories throughout the world, with a focus on applicable theoretical physics that is interesting from a fundamental physics perspective and has potential applications, especially in quantum technologies. We particularly enjoy collaborating with experimental groups. Our work is funded by various funding bodies, including NSERC, NRC, MRI Ontario, CFI, and Queen's University.
We have several labs including a state of the art computational modelling lab and a dedicated collaboration lab, funded through a CFI Innovation Grant, as part of the Queen's Nanophotonics Research Centre. Research projects encompass a broad spectrum of fundamentals and applications of light-matter interactions, and includes the study of classical optics, quantum optics and nonlinear optics in a variety of photonic nanostructures such as photonic crystals, single quantum dots, chiral waveguides, 2d materials, optomechanics and metal nanoparticles.
We tend to tackle both important and challenging problems, including some of the realities that are usually ignored, such as the effects of fabrication imperfections (structural disorder), material loss, and decoherence on light scattering. We are also interested in new methodologies in quantum optics including methods to describe coherent feedback, electron-phonon interactions and the quantization of quasinormal modes.
To learn more about our exciting research activities, please see Publications and Research sections above.
Seeking Excellent Graduate Students
We are always seeking excellent students in the MSc, PhD, and Accelerated Masters program, and occasionally we have positions for post-docs.
See Opportunities for more details and contact me if interested.
We especially welcome applications from strong female candidates and underrepresented groups in physics.
Students nominally start in September.
Queen's Accelerated Master's Students
We welcome applications from strong accelerated master students to join our group, usually starting May 1 (for 3rd year students).
You will be offered an exciting selection of world-leading research topics related to quantum nanophotonics and light-matter interactions.
You can learn more about this excellent program by visiting Accelerated MSc/MASc. To read what the program experience was like for one of my previous accelerated master's students, please visit Gerry Angelatos.
Please contact me if interested.
Form important information and deadlines visit:
Applicants