Project 105: Nonlinear Optical Investigation of the Symmetries of Solids

Contact Information

Asso. Prof. Hao Chu

Project Description and Objectives

One technologically important aspect of condensed matter physics research is that one can engineer different phases of the same material that exhibit dramatically different physical properties (for example ferromagnet vs. antiferromagnet, paraelectric vs. ferroelectric). According to Landau theory, phase transitions are usually characterized by symmetry-breaking. In order to fully understand the mechanism of a phase transition (i.e. so that one can better control such a phase transition), often we need to understand what kind of symmetry is broken. In optics, second harmonic generation (where the outgoing light frequency is doubled with respect to the incoming light frequency) is found to exhibit an extraordinary sensitivity to symmetry breaking . In this project, the student will explore how such a technique can be used for studying the symmetries of solids.

Eligibility Requirements

Expected candidates are in their 3rd year or 4th year of undergraduate studies, and should have some knowledge about solid state physics as well as equipped with good hands-on skills in the laboratory. Daily communication will be conducted in English.

Main Task

Learn to use a second harmonic generation (SHG) setup based on a femtosecond laser system to study the rotation-, mirror-, inversion-symmetries of solids.

Website

Lab: https://ultrafastandnonlinearopticslab.wordpress.com/

School: http://www.physics.sjtu.edu.cn/