photonics

Photonic topological phases in dispersive metamaterials

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B1 L4 R4214

We analyze the photonic topological phases in dispersive metamaterials which satisfy the degenerate condition at a reference frequency, where the hybrid modes are decoupled and determined by two subsystems with degenerate eigenvalues. By introducing the pseudospin states as the eigenfield basis, the Hamiltonians of the hybrid modes represent the pesudospin-orbit interaction with spin 1, which result in nonzero spin Chern numbers that characterize the topological phases.

Quantum Inspired Photonics

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B1 L2 R4214

Quantum mechanics and photonics share mathematical equivalence. By carefully exploiting the interplay between optical index, gain and loss in the complex dielectric permittivity plane, optics has become an ideal platform to explore some exotic quantum concepts, such as topological physics and parity-time (PT) symmetry. Instead of counteracting optical losses at micro and nano scales in integrated photonics, we started from an opposite viewpoint and developed a new paradigm of positively and strategically manipulating optical losses by the quantum-inspired photonics concept enrich fundamental optical physics and realized novel photonic synthetic matters with unique optical functionalities. In this seminar, I will present our recent efforts on engineering the complex optical potentials at an exceptional point (i.e. PT symmetry transition point). Based on the exceptional point-induced unidirectionality, we harness optical losses to enable unique microlaser functionalities, in particular, an orbital angular momentum (OAM) microlaser that structures and twists the lasing radiation at the microscale, which is expected to address the growing demand for information capacity. Additionally, I will discuss non-Hermitian topological photonics where optical non-Hermiticity and topological physics are coupled.

Prof. Andrea Fratalocchi receives appreciation from Nature Publications as one of its best reviewers

1 min read ·
Prof. Andrea Fratalocchi received a letter of appreciation from the Editor-in-Chief of Nature for serving as a reviewer.

Klemens Katterbauer (PhD in Electrical Engineering) comes 2nd place at the Middle East, North Africa & South Asia SPE Student Paper contest

1 min read ·
Klemens Katterbauer (Ph.D. candidate under supervision Andrea Fratalocchi) comes 2nd place at the Middle East, North Africa & South Asia SPE Student Paper Contest.

Cancer screening advance: single point genetic mutations made visible by new optical chip

1 min read ·
The collaboration of the teams of professors Enzo Di Fabrizio and Andrea Fratalocchi at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), in Saudi Arabia, has led to the development of a new device that enables the detection of mutations down to a single amino acid.

Andrea Fratalocchi Elected OSA Fellow for Pioneering Innovations

1 min read ·
Andrea Fratalocchi, associate professor in the University's Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division, was recently elected as a Fellow Member of The Optical Society of America (OSA) at the Society’s Board of Directors meeting in September.

KAUST Associate Professor Andrea Fratalocchi elected Fellow of the Optical Society

1 min read ·
Andrea Fratalocchi, associate professor in the University's Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering division, was recently elected as a Fellow of the Optical Society (OSA) at the society's Board of Directors meeting in September.

Andrea Fratalocchi

Professor Fratalocchi is a pioneer in complex systems and sustainable technologies, focused on addressing critical global challenges. His groundbreaking research has led to innovative solutions in areas such as energy harvesting, clean water production and smart materials. As a founder of the ECE program at KAUST and co-founder of Pixeltra, Professor Fratalocchi is a proven leader and entrepreneur, successfully translating his research into real-world impact.