The doctoral dissertation in the field of Physics will be examined at the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, Joensuu campus.
What is the topic of your doctoral research? Why is it important to study the topic?
The research topic concerns polarization and geometric phase effects in quantum and classical light interference. In the quantum domain, the thesis analyses vector-light interference in a double-slit geometry for single-photon and multiphoton states. In the classical domain, the thesis explores beam and pulse shaping enabled by polarization gratings. Studying this topic is important for advancing the understanding of fundamental optical physics and for developing future applications in photonics.
What are the key findings or observations of your doctoral research?
The key findings include the development of a unified theoretical framework for polarization, geometric phase, and wave-particle duality in light interference. In the quantum domain, the research establishes a description for multiphoton interference, and in particular leads to a relationship between the geometric phase and wave-particle duality for N00N states. In the classical domain, the work shows how polarization gratings can be used to shape optical beams and ultrashort pulses with controllable coherence and polarization properties. The findings provide deeper insights into the nature of light and novel methods to control quantum and classical optical systems.
How can the results of your doctoral research be utilised in practice?
The results can contribute to quantum and photonic technologies, especially in optical communication, computation, sensing, and imaging.
What are the key research methods and materials used in your doctoral research?
The research is theoretical and develops mathematical models for quantum and classical light through analytical derivations and numerical calculations.
The doctoral dissertation of Elvis Pillinen, MSc, entitled Polarization and geometric phase effects in quantum and classical light interference will be examined at the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, Joensuu campus. The opponent will be Associate Professor Mayukh Lahiri, Oklahoma State University, USA, and the custos will be Associate Professor Andreas Norrman, University of Eastern Finland. Language of the public defence is English.
For further information, please contact:
Elvis Pillinen, [email protected], tel. +358 50 478 4586
