The group has currently 8 full-time members:

• Aghamir, Farzin M. (Professor)
• Chimeh, Abbas (Assistant Professor)
• Ghorbanzadeh, Atamalek (Associate Professor)
• Hassani, Khosrow (Associate Professor, head of the group)
• Khazali, Mohammadsadegh (Assistant Professor)
• Mahjour-Shafiei, Masoud (Associate Professor, associate member)
• Nahal, Arashmid (Associate Professor)
• Sarreshtedari, Farrokh(Assistant Professor)

ُThe research interests of individual members is explained below:

Dr. Ghorbanzadeh:

Research activities in three laboratories of Lasers, Quantum Optics, and Plasma (under the supervision of Dr. Atamolak Ghorbanzadeh), which include both theoretical and experimental studies, are listed below. Most of these activities are supported by industry and organizations outside the university.

1. Continuous Variable Quantum Computing Using Entangled Cluster States of light modes: clusters, which utilize temporal modes generated by time multiplexing of optically squeezed light, are used to experimentally perform basic gates necessary for the computation.

2. Three-Dimensional Imaging of Objects Using Single-Photon LiDAR: This work employs lasers with picosecond pulses and high repetition rates, which are transmitted over long distances. The returning photons are collected by a telescope and directed to a camera comprising single-photon array for detection. The three-dimensional image is reconstructed using the time-of-flight information of the photons.

3. Ghost Imaging: In addition to conventional protocols, an innovative quantum protocol is also proposed to exploit quantum advantages and enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, in a ghost imaging set up, which will be experimentally evaluated. Imaging will be performed using second-order and higher-order quantum coherences.

4. Stand-off detection of Molecules Using Classical and Quantum Protocols: Classical concepts of identification of molecular concentration and stand-off leak detection, will be extended to the quantum domain. It is expected that the minimum detectable concentration of molecules and particles will decrease by approximately one to two orders of magnitude compared to the classical methods.

5. Conversion of Natural Gas into Valuable Hydrocarbon Products Using Pulsed Plasma: Natural gas is an abundant and inexpensive hydrocarbon resource, and we aim to convert it into more valuable hydrocarbon products, particularly ethylene, using plasma. The direct conversion of methane (the main component of the natural gas) into olefins is a long-standing challenge in chemistry and chemical engineering. We are approaching a solution to this challenge using our innovative plasma technology.

Dr. Hassani:

My main research focuses on experimental optics. I am, in particular, interested in statistical phenomena involving the light fields, or the interaction of light with matter. In my group we use techniques such as optical interferometry, diffractometry, and polarimetry to investigate properties, such as the coherence, polarization, wavefront deformation, and spectra of the light field itself, or characterize the materials properties, including the index of refraction, deformations, surface profile, temperature gradient, diffusion, etc. To carry out these works, one needs to dedicate enough time and effort to setup experiments, perform experiments and gather data, and finally, analyze the data using statistical methods and write relatively heavy computer codes.

Dr. Khazali:

Dr. Khazali’s research group explores various aspects of quantum science and technology, focusing on hardware, computation, communication, error correction, simulation, and metrology. They design quantum hardware using platforms such as neutral atoms, photons, ion traps, superconducting circuits, cavity arrays, Cu₂O crystals, and optomechanical systems. In quantum communication, they work on quantum internet infrastructure, including memories, photonic gates, and a universal quantum terminal linking mobile devices to quantum servers. Their quantum computation research focuses on high-fidelity multi-qubit gate designs and qubit-dependent interactions to enhance processors and error correction. They also develop autonomous and topological error correction schemes to extend coherence times. In quantum matter, they study novel phases like supersolids and soliton molecules in Rydberg-dressed BECs. Their quantum simulation efforts use Rydberg atoms for Ising, SSH, and Hubbard models, as well as biological and condensed matter applications, including photosynthesis simulations. They also generate large entangled states for metrology and fundamental tests of quantum mechanics. By integrating innovative hardware, optimized computation, and advanced simulations, their research contributes to practical quantum technologies while addressing foundational physics questions.

Dr. Nahal:

Photonic Materials Research Laboratory & Optical Metrology Research Laboratory

Research Topics: Plasmonics, Nano-photonics, Optical Metrology

My main research activities can be divided into two fields:

I. Interaction of Light with Photosensitive Photonic Materials:

1. Thin Photosensitive Films Doped with Ag Nanoparticles: The interaction of light with these layers results in the formation of self-organized periodic nanostructures, sensitive to the polarization of the incident light. These structures record information about polarization, angle of incidence, wavelength, and the refractive index of the substrate. Samples containing these structures acquire photoactive properties, which we have focused on for the past 10 years, aiming to enhance their optical rotation power.

2. Glasses Doped with Metallic Nanoparticles (Silver and Copper) via Ion Exchange Process: These glasses change their refractive index and absorption when interacting with intense laser light, increased temperature, or ion beams such as Helium. We have utilized this feature to invent a new method of ion-beam lithography in ion-exchanged glasses, which also has been patented.

II. Developing New Methods and Performing Precise Optical Measurements:

This includes measuring surface profile and roughness, length, changes in amount and distribution of refractive index, and stress measurement, using interferometry, diffractometry, Moiré technique, and speckle patterns. We also try to improve related image processing methods to achieve precise measurements.

Dr. Sarreshtedari:

Quantum Resonance Research Laboratory

QRRL aims to explore different Laser-atom interaction experiments which deals with manipulation of atomic states using resonant laser lights. Some of the current research works include high-resolution atomic spectroscopy, developing a magneto optical trap for Laser cooling and trapping of Cesium atoms, developing an Electromagnetic induced transparency (EIT) system for slow-light and quantum memory applications, atomic magnetometers and etc. Furthermore, In QRRL, we are experimentally exploring Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), towards investigating, designing and developing novel MR methods, devices and systems.