Exploring and Tuning Superradiance in Encoded Dipole Chains for MultiplexedFluorescence Lifetime Imaging
Postdoc offer (1+1 years)
In which research context ?
The organization of light emitters in thesub-wavelength space to achieve superradiant states has been a long-standingchallenge, now a major focus of the second quantum revolution. The delocalizationof the excitation favours a cooperative and super-linear response of the systemwith possible emission of entangled photons with narrow spectral range andaccelerated decay time. However, dipolar coherence in emitter assembliesremains jeopardized by the highly demanding requirements on the materials atthe nanoscale. (i) The spatial organization of the dipoles requires anhomogeneous and periodic positioning and spacing at the nanoscale. (ii) Thereneed to be a high quantum yield and robust oscillator strength to ensure aphoton flux compatible with detection scheme. (iii) The chemical and mechanicalenvironment, but also the dielectric and phononic surroundings must offeradvanced stability conditions for the dipoles.
Our team at LP2N develops since 5 years a nanoplatformbased on the Boron Nitride NanoTube architecture for organizing molecularemitters, EDC@BNNT [1-5]. Preliminary results show that organized dyes emittersspaced and stabilized inside BNNTs (Fig1) [6,7] display strong fingerprints ofsuperradiance at room temperature. This open a doors for fundamental andapplicative studies on dipolar coherence in 1D.
Your role
The objectives is to understand and control howdipolar coherence occurs in EDC@BNNT by probing the photon statistic of theemitted light as a function of geometry and from 4K to room temperature. Youwill be in charge of the scientific and technical aspects of the time resolved fluorescenceexperiments at low temperature in the team at LP2N, including g2(t) measurements through Hanburry Brown and Twiss (HBT) set up, and interferometrymeasurements performed on individual EDC@BNNTs. You will contribute to theinstallation of a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) detector to be coupled to the He-free cryostat. You will also participate tothe Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) experiments of bio-functionalizedEDC@BNNTs for multiplexed Imaging at the Bordeaux Imaging Center (https://www.bordeaux-neurocampus.fr/qui-sommes-nous/bordeaux-imaging-center-bic/), in collaboration with GaëlleRecher at LP2N. You will work in the team with aChemist PhD student and a Master student.
Your skills
- Highexpertise in time resolved fluorescence and TCSPC experiments.
- Generalknowledge of physics, particularly in the field of photonics, materials &quantum sciences.
- Tobe compatible with friendly and multidisciplinary scientific environments.
Environment
The research will be carried out in the Adaptive-Nano group in the NanoBioLab team at the Photonics,Numerical and Nanosciences Laboratory (LP2N), a joint research unit (UMR 5298)between the Institut d'Optique Graduate School, the University of Bordeaux andthe CNRS. The project is supported bythe Innovation Center for Disruptive Quantum Products (NAQUIDIS) https://www.naquidis.com/en. This structure is a unique & agile hubwhere research projects at the highest level will be jointly developed withapplications as well as technological solutions. The focus is to buildcollaborations between industries and research to accelerate the time to marketfor disruptive quantum products.
To apply, send a CV and at least onereference letter to etienne.gaufres(@)cnrs.fr
References
[1]E. Gaufrès et al, Nature Photonics, 8, 72–78 (2014) DOI
[2] A. Allard et al, Advanced Materials, (2020) DOI
[3]A. Badon&J.-B Marceau et al, Mater. Horiz. (2023) DOI
[4]A. Allard et al, Chem Soc Rev (2024) DOI
[5]J.-B Marceau et al, ACS Nano (2025) DOI
[6]Gaufrès/Recher/Marceau Patent N°FR2409787
[7]J.-B Marceau et al, in prep.
