Nanophotonics Theory

We develop theoretical models to explain and unveil new physical phenomena associated with the interaction of light and electrons with optical excitations supported by atoms, molecules, and nanostructures. Specifically, we investigate plasmons and optical polaritons in 3D nanostructures and 2D materials, including ultrathin metallic crystals, and their coupling to atoms and molecules. We employ first-principles theory to explain and propose experiments in electron microscopy, nanophotonics, and light-electron-matter interactions more broadly. We are also interested in exploring exotic quantum and classical phenomena related to the optical response of nanostructures, such as quantum vacuum friction, collective optical modes in molecules and atomic-scale structures, the generation of quantum light states, near-field heat transfer, ultrafast carrier dynamics in bulk and structured materials, and applications in precise optical sensing and information processing.

Our research has a fundamental character as we investigate radically new phenomena, yet we maintain a strong interest in applications. We leverage our theoretical skills to explore new physical effects, while also proposing, designing, and explaining experiments in collaboration with our extensive network of experimental partners, which includes leading groups in nanophotonics and electron microscopy worldwide. Here, we highlight key challenges that our group has addressed over the past few years.

PhD Positions Available:  We are looking for bright students to pursue a PhD or continue their research careers through a postdoc in our group, working in the aforementioned areas. We value candidates with experience and interest in plasmonics, metamaterials, quantum physics, condensed-matter and many-body theory, and computational electromagnetism. We offer support to students through our extensive expertise in many-body and condensed-matter theory, the linear and nonlinear optical response of atoms, molecules, and nanostructures, both from first principles and in combination with classical electromagnetism, and the interaction of these systems with free-space electrons and ions. We have developed powerful computational tools for studying and solving the Maxwell equations, as well as the Schrödinger and Dirac equations. Researchers in our group learn to apply these advanced tools to study relevant problems, aiming to produce high-impact publications and pioneer new research directions. 

Please contact Prof. Javier García de Abajo via email if you have any questions or if you would like to apply by sending your CV and references.

Our group is currently funded by competitive grants from the European Commission (EBEAM and SMART-e), the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN), and the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant QUEFES).