Biography

Dr Alex S. Clark is a Royal Society University Research Fellow and proleptic Senior Lecturer working on quantum science and technology. He is QET Labs Director, Chair of the IOP QQQ Group, and a Work Package Leader in three UK Quantum Technology Hubs.

Research interests and activities

The research in the Clark Group spans multiple areas relating to quantum science and technology.

Molecular Quantum Photonics

We explore the use of molecules as single photon sources, nonlinear systems, and quantum storage and spin manipulation. To enhance the interaction of light with molecules we couple them to nanophotonic devices. We are interested in how molecules respond to strain, electric fields, and phonons.

Atomic Quantum Memories

We use warm atomic vapour cells and laser-cooled atoms as quantum memories. We explore different memory protocols including Autler-Townes Splitting (ATS) and off-resonant cascaded absorption (ORCA). We are especially targeting memories that are compatible with telecommunication networks and performing frequency conversion within the memory.

Nonlinear interferometers for sensing and imaging

By replacing the beamsplitters in an interferometer with nonlinear optical processes such as parametric down conversion and four-wave mixing, we can perform sensing and imaging at that are hard to generate and detect, using only visible and telecommunication band technology. We use this to detect gases and perform bio-imaging at mid-infrared wavelengths.

Integrated nonlinear and active photonics

We work with integrated photonic chips for broadband photon-pair generation, Bragg scattering four-wave mixing frequency conversion, nonlinear interferometry, integrated laser locking systems, squeezed light generation and detection, and single-photon-level range finding.

Current postdocs and research fellows

Current PhD students