“Interdisciplinary study of photonics, free electrons, and quantum physics”
Dr. Zhexin Zhao
Reality Labs Research - Meta
Monday, May 22, 2023 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Room 2205 EB | https://msu.zoom.us/j/98225004888
Abstract: Recent studies in the interdisciplinary area of photonics, free electrons, and quantum physics open up new applications, such as free-electron light sources, dielectric laser accelerators (DLAs), and optical manipulation of electron pulses. In particular, DLAs utilize the strong field in laser to accelerate the electrons, which provide high acceleration gradient, compact size, and potentially low cost. DLAs have a wide range of applications in scientific research, industry, and medical diagnosis and treatment. With progress in the optical control of free electrons, researchers have demonstrated the wave-function engineering of free electrons, which promotes the application of free electrons for quantum manipulation and quantum sensing. In this presentation, I will talk about this exciting research area and share my studies on the design of dielectric laser accelerators, electron compression with optical beat note, and quantum free-electron–atom interaction.
Bio: Dr. Zhexin Zhao is a research scientist in Reality Labs Research at Meta, working on photonic design for the augmented reality near-eye display. Before joining Meta, Dr. Zhao did her PhD study on nanophotonics at Stanford University. She received the bachelor degree in electronic engineering from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, in 2015, and the M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering (with Ph.D. minor in physics) from Stanford University, U.S., in 2018 and 2021, respectively. Her research focuses on photonic theory and design, including electromagnetic theory, light-matter interaction, laser-based electron acceleration and modulation, and optical design for augmented reality.
Faculty Host: Dr. Shannon Nicley (nicleysh@msu.edu)
