Title: Interaction of molecules with light

Speaker: Dr. Kishan Menghrajani, University of Exeter

Abstract: Strong coupling involving ensembles of organic molecules is an important class of light−matter interaction that has seen exciting developments and a dramatic increase in research activity in the last decade. Placing ensembles of molecules that possess an optically active transition inside a confined light field such as an optical microcavity or on plasmonic structures may lead to a phenomenon known as strong coupling, in which new hybrid states called polaritons are created that are part molecule, part light. This is possible for both excitonic and vibrational molecular resonances. In my talk, through experiment and numerical modelling, I will focus on coherent transport of energy over a longer range within the mode volume. The efficient transport of excitons (molecular excited states) across long distances is required in many technologies that are vital to the economy, including consumer electronics, solar energy capture, quantum computing, quantum communications and photocatalysis. With the help of strong plasmon-exciton coupling, my main focus will be that of exploring the possibility of achieving ultra-fast transfer of energy between excitons and the plasmon field of gold nanodisc structures.