Dr Daniele De Bernardis

Quantum optics with organic molecules in solid-state matrices

Besides emerging as excellent single photon emitters, organic molecules trapped in solid-state matrices are also promising candidates to be a new fertile and versatile complete quantum optics platform. Unlike atoms in optical tweezers, these quantum emitters face the complexity of existing in a structured solid-state environment, which strongly affects their behavior. Particularly striking is the effect of the matrix’s phonons and intrinsic molecular vibrations, which are known to produce strong decoherence and dephasing in the optical emission properties. Additionally, positional disorder and matrix defects can generate significant inhomogeneous broadening and spectral diffusion. Through the most recent experimental and theoretical advancements, I will show in this talk that these features are not necessarily detrimental but can actually be a resource that brings technical advantages or even the possibility to address new physical phenomena.