Ultrafast Spectroscopy beyond T₂
Characterising decoherence dynamics with unprecedented temporal resolution. Leveraging electron wave packet shaping with light, 3D electron-driven photon sources, and correlative measurements in solid-state photonic systems and quantum networks.
Quantum coherence — the ability of quantum systems to maintain a stable relationship between different quantum states — is essential for quantum computing. Decoherence results in a statistical ensemble of states rather than a coherent combination of pure ones, moving from the quantum mechanics realm to the classical one.
The UltraSpecT ERC Consolidator Grant is led by Prof. Dr. Nahid Talebi at Kiel University, building on her ERC Starting Grant awarded in 2025.
Sculpting electron wave packets with phase-locked light fields for attosecond control
3D electron-driven photon sources with coherent emission from nanostructures
Correlative measurements in solid-state photonic systems and quantum networks
Machine learning inverse design and FDTD simulations for nanostructure optimisation
Three interconnected themes driving the UltraSpecT scientific programme
We use structured light and near-field plasmonic excitations to shape electron beams longitudinally and transversely, tailoring quantum-coherence dynamics of quasiparticles and quantum emitters in solid-state systems — combining our Maxwell-Schrödinger toolbox with an ultrafast scanning electron microscope.
We design and fabricate EDPHS as internal radiation sources inside electron microscopes, enabling Ramsey-type interferometry and pump-probe spectroscopy with sub-2-fs temporal and sub-1-nm spatial resolution — using ML inverse design, holography, and 3D nanofabrication.
We develop correlative measurement schemes to map quasiparticle interactions in solid-state photonic systems and quantum networks, characterising decoherence dynamics with high temporal resolution — and tailoring coherent control mechanisms beyond the T₂ time scale.
Recent contributions from the Nano Optics Group
Prof. Nahid Talebi gave invited talks at IMC21 in Liverpool, the International School on Physical Computing in Erice, and Quantum Electron-Photon Interactions in Prague, the last of these together with members of the Nano-Optics group.
Read moreOur article in Advanced Optical Materials on plasmonic and photonic modes in colloidal CuS nanocrystals has been recognized by Wiley as a Top Viewed Article of 2024.
Read moreDr. Kenan Elibol from Stuttgart Center for Electron Microscopy visited as a guest researcher and gave a seminar talk about 2D materials probed by high-resolution analytical electron microscopy techniques.
Read moreProf. Kurt Busch from Humboldt University of Berlin visited our group and gave an exciting talk about the Discontinuous Galerkin Method and nonlocal models for plasmons.
Read moreCongratulations to Dr. Fatemeh Chahshouri who defended her PhD dissertation with distinction - Summa Cum Laude. We wish her all the best!
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