The ability to control quantum materials with light… It sounds incredible because it is! It also has extremely important technological implications. In recent studies, by utilizing the strong coupling of light and matter in optical cavities, researchers were actually able to change some of the defining features of quantum materials. More specifically, a research group from City College of New York showed that trapping light insight magnetic materials may “dramatically enhance [the magnetic materials] intrinsic properties.” 

 

This is exciting because strong optical responses from magnets (i.e., magneto-optical properties) are a vital piece of creating magnetic lasers and magneto-optical memory devices. There are also implications for quantum transduction applications.

Findings From New Nature Study

In their study, the team found properties of a layered magnet that hosts strongly bound excitons, which are quasiparticles with strong optical interactions. This means the material can trap light by itself, without external cavity mirrors. 

 

"Since the light bounces back and forth inside the magnet, interactions are genuinely enhanced," said Dr. Florian Dirnberger, the lead-author of the study. When they applied an external magnetic field, the near-infrared reflection of the light was altered enough that it actually changed color, which is a strong magneto-optic response. 

 

This is unusual because light doesn’t typically respond so intensely to magnetism. Usually, a technological application based on magneto-optic effect would require the team to implement a sensitive optical detection scheme.

Implications of Trapped Light

These advances — the ability to manipulate quantum material properties by strong light-matter coupling — will likely have very notable impacts. The hope is that one day, we will be able to create magnetic lasers, reconsidering outdated concepts of magneto-optical devices (i.e., optically controlled magnetic memory). 

Apex Magnets

At Apex Magnets, we’re excited to learn about the latest discoveries related to magnetism. That is why we like to share that news with you! If you enjoy our blog and want the latest news sent directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter. If you have questions about any of our products, give us a call at 1.304.257.1193.