Light-matter interactions and open quantum systems

Open quantum systems theory describes the behaviour of quantum systems that are not isolated, but instead in contact with their surrounding environmental degrees of freedom. Understanding open quantum systems is crucial for numerous applications in physics and chemistry, in particular the ubiquitous electromagnetic interactions between light and matter.

This project seeks to understand light-matter interactions in the context of open quantum systems theory. We will study how master equations can be developed and applied to light-matter interactions in material systems, rather than free space, and consistently incorporate other external influences such as vibrational degrees of freedom. We will also assess the impact of gauge-fixing on approximation schemes for open quantum systems, and move beyond the weak light-matter coupling limit by employing non-perturbative numerical and analytical techniques.