Controlling nonlinear multimode states is a long-standing challenge in physics. While systems with high nonlinearities, such as superconducting circuits and acousto-optic systems, have successfully demonstrated precise control over quadrature-dependent behavior (such as quantum squeezing, quadrature non-reciprocity, and bosonic Kitaev chains), integrated photonics faces a unique hurdle. Specifically, the inherently weak nonlinear interactions in dielectric materials have limited the full potential of optical platforms. However, recent advances in fabricating nonlinear micro-resonators with nanometric features now allow for the enhancement of all-optical interactions, necessitating new approaches to generating, controlling, and measuring light. In this seminar, I will discuss our recent results in observing, controlling, and programming multimode quadrature-dependent Hamiltonians to enable new on-chip functionalities. I will begin by showcasing our advancements in developing integrated microresonators in thin-film 4H-Silicon Carbide. This innovation enables nonlinear photonics, quantum optics, and collective quantum emitter excitations on a single platform. Following this, I will present the experimental demonstration of a fully tunable optical dimer that exhibits complete quadrature-dependent non-reciprocity/isolation, opening the door to enhanced light-matter interactions and sensing. Finally, I will discuss the observation and control of quadrature-dependent dynamics that naturally emerge in Kerr micro-combs. Our work paves the way toward new regimes of light-matter interactions on scalable photonic microchips, with transformative implications for both fundamental physics and quantum applications.

Dr. Eran Lustig is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Technion. His primary research interests lie in optical physics and engineering, with a focus on nonlinear, multimode, topological, and time-dependent optics on various optical platforms. Dr. Lustig earned his PhD in Physics from the Technion and recently completed his postdoctoral studies at the Ginzton Laboratory at Stanford University. He is currently a Seiden Fellow in Nanotechnology and Optoelectronics and was the recipient of the IPS Asher Peres Award for Outstanding Experimental Student.