At the forefront of nanophotonic innovation, the Quantum Nano-photonics group at the University of Arizona is making significant strides in developing state-of-the-art technologies for the future. Led by Prof. Mohammed Elkabbash, Assistant Professor at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, the group is tackling complex challenges in quantum optics, industrial photonics, and optoelectronics.

Pritam Bangal, a PhD student in the group, kindly shares insights into their groundbreaking work and how Tidy3D accelerates their research efforts. “Our group aims to pioneer cutting-edge nanophotonic technologies with transformative applications in quantum optics, industrial photonics, and optoelectronics,” Pritam explains. Their ambitious goals include advancing quantum computing and communication through innovative photonic devices, enhancing industrial optical systems, and developing next-generation optoelectronic components.

The group’s research spans the entire spectrum of innovation, from design and simulation to fabrication and application. Their projects are as diverse as they are impactful. Pritam has been using Tidy3D for over a year, working on various research projects, including guided mode resonance structures and designing optical nano-antennas to enhance the spontaneous emission rate from quantum emitters for potential use in quantum computing.

Professor Mohamed ElKabbash (left) and PhD student Pritam Bangal (right).

More recently, the group’s focus has shifted towards UV and Extreme UV Nanophotonics. Pritam is working on designing optical elements in the EUV (13.5nm) range for potential use in EUV lithography. He successfully designs metalens with better efficiency in both the visible and UV (50 nm) range. The impact of Tidy3D on the group’s work is significant. As Pritam notes, “Tidy3D easily manages to set up and run complex simulations quickly, which not only makes rapid progress in our work but also inspires us to engage ourselves in innovation constantly.”

The software’s efficiency and ease of use have accelerated the research cycle, allowing the team to focus more on analysis and innovation than troubleshooting. This has been particularly beneficial for the group's new students, encouraging them to learn and use FDTD tools in their research.

As the Quantum Nano-photonics group continues to push the boundaries of light manipulation at the nanoscale, Tidy3D remains a cornerstone of their research toolkit. The partnership between this innovative research group and Tidy3D exemplifies how advanced simulation tools can drive progress in cutting-edge scientific fields, potentially leading to technological breakthroughs that revolutionize industries and enhance our understanding of science.