The proposed research project aims to fortify the collaboration between two groups of Andrey Surzhykov at PTB Braunschweig and Sonja Franke-Arnold at the University of Glasgow, with additional experimental support from Ilja Gerhardt’s Light & Matter Group at Leibniz University Hannover.
This collaboration will explore the interaction and propagation of structured vector light beams in magnetised atomic media, leveraging the theoretical and experimental strengths of both groups. Unlike traditional Gaussian light beams, vector beams exhibit complex polarisation textures and phase singularities, making them promising for applications such as laser-frequency locking schemes. The research will investigate optimal polarisation structures for specific laser locking applications, the effects of atomic gas temperatures on light
interaction, and the influence of magnetic field variations on light propagation. This work not only aims to develop a deeper understanding of vectorial light-matter interaction but also seeks to enhance polarisation spectroscopy using structured vector light. The project will benefit from Scotland’s expertise in photonics and quantum technology and Lower Saxony’s strengths in nano-optics and quantum science. Expected outcomes include new insights into light-matter interactions, potential applications in quantum technologies, and strengthened academic and industrial collaborations. The feasibility is supported by existing experimental setups and theoretical frameworks, with sustainability ensured through the QuantERA network. Results will be disseminated through high-impact publications and international conferences, contributing significantly to the fields of photonics and metrology.
