This page gives the current projects that we are offering for EPFL students. Most projects can be tailored as bachelor project (quite short), semester project or master project. If you are interested, please check the full description and contact the corresponding collaborator.
Bien que nous donnions cette liste en anglais, le Laboratoire de Nanophotonique & MĂ©trologie (NAM) parle Ă©videmment aussi le français et nous sommes heureux d’accueillir des Ă©tudiants francophones!
Numerical Challenges in Purcell Factor Evaluation for Nanoscale Light-Matter Interaction
The accurate evaluation of the Greenâs function at small emitterânanoparticle (Figure a) separations is challenging. Numerical results can deviate significantly from analytical predictions (Figure c). The most straightforward improvement is to increase the number of degrees of freedom in the simulation (e.g., by refining the mesh), which improves convergence but can still fail at very small distances. The aim of this project is to develop strategies to achieve reliable convergence for geometries lacking analytical solutions, without incurring prohibitive computational cost. We use the Surface Integral Equation (SIE) approach, a boundary element method, that is computationally efficient because it solves the electromagnetic problem only on the structureâs surface
Contacts: Stavros Athanasiou Full description of the project (PDF)
Quantum Systems in External Electromagnetic Fields: Classical Analogies and Quantum Phenomena
In this project, we will use single-particle, non-relativistic quantum mechanics to study systems subjected to external fields. The exploration will span a wide range of phenomena, from simple cases such as free particles and harmonic oscillators in static electric and magnetic fields (Figure a,b), to more advanced scenarios involving time-varying fields (Figure c) and exotic effects, such as the AharonovâBohm (AB) effect. A particular emphasis will be placed on identifying classical analogues for each system and pinpointing where quantum behavior departs from classical expectations. This project is ideal for a student with a basic background in quantum mechanics, preferably with prior exposure through an undergraduate-level course.
Contacts: Stavros Athanasiou Full description of the project (PDF)
Self-Consistent Modeling of Coupled Maxwell Bloch Equations with the Finite Difference Time Domain Method
This project focuses on a self consistent modeling f ramework for the coupled Maxwell Bloch equations using the open source finite difference time domain (software MEEP) By extending MEEPâs capabilities to integrate the Bloch equations alongside electromagnetic field evolution, the approach enables the simulation of realistic scenarios where light dynamically influences quantum emitters and, in turn, emitters alter the electromagnetic fields. The framework will allow for the study of single and collective emitter dynamics in complex photonic env ironments, enabling investigations into coherence phenomena, and energy transfer at the nanoscale. The resulting tool will provide both methodological advances and practical guidance for the design of nanophotonic and quantum technologies.
Contacts: Stavros Athanasiou Parmenion Mavrikakis Full description of the project (PDF)
Monocrystalline silver flakes for applications in plasmonics
Monocrystalline noble metal flakes present a promising material platform for applications in high-quality and low-loss plasmonic systems. This project will involve development of colloidal synthesis recipe for growth of silver crystals and their subsequent nanopatterning. The fabricated monocrystalline silver nanostructures will be then experimentally characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy and spectroscopy. Furthermore, project will also involve numerical simulations for optimization of the nanostructures dimensions and comparison against experimental results.
Contact: Sergejs Boroviks Dull description of the project (PDF)
3D visualization of the boundaries of the dielectrophoretic trapping volume
Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is the effect representing the movement of a polarizable particulate caused by the force originating from the interaction with a non-uniform low-frequency electromagnetic field. DEP is utilized for long-range manipulation (trapping, focusing, separation) of various objects, with microscale precision and has acquired wide attention in a variety of applications, including biosensing, cellular analysis, water purification, and nanotechnology. This project will explore the strength of dielectrophoretics forces.
Contact: Siarhei Zavatski Dull description of the project (PDF)