INL hosted Prof. Dr. Jean-Michel Gérard, exploring artificial atoms for quantum photonics

As part of its Colloquium Series 2025, INL was honoured to host Professor Dr. Jean-Michel Gérard on Friday, March 21, for a talk that brought together decades of pioneering research in quantum photonics and a compelling outlook for the future of quantum technologies in silicon.

The Colloquium Series 2025 is a flagship monthly initiative at INL. It is designed to bring world-renowned scientists to Braga to share their insights on topics relevant to ongoing scientific and technological developments. These events are a source of inspiration and exchange, intended not only to spark dialogue within the INL research community but also to engage a broader audience of researchers, engineers, and students shaping the future of science and innovation.

Hosted by Prof. Dr. Clivia Sotomayor, the March edition of the 2025 series welcomed Prof. Gérard from the Quantum Photonics, Electronics and Engineering Laboratory (PHELIQS), Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Grenoble INP, France. A leading figure in the field, Prof. Gérard delivered a lecture titled “Artificial atoms in semiconductors for quantum photonics: from III-V self-assembled quantum dots to colour centres in silicon.”

The talk traced the evolution of cavity quantum electrodynamics (CQED) in solid-state systems, beginning with the challenges of applying CQED concepts in optoelectronics due to the absence of suitable solid-state emitters. Prof Gérard highlighted the pivotal moment: the demonstration of atomic-like emission from single self-assembled quantum dots in the 1990s, which catalysed major advances in nanophotonics and quantum optics.

Key milestones presented included the first observation of the Purcell effect in a solid-state emitter, and the subsequent development of a single-mode single-photon source—now a mature and commercially available component fundamental to quantum photonics.

Looking ahead, Prof Gérard introduced a promising line of research launched by PHELIQS and collaborators: quantum optics in silicon using isolated point defects as single photon sources. His team’s recent breakthroughs underscore the potential of silicon-based platforms for scalable, integrated quantum photonics.

About the Speaker

Prof Gérard’s distinguished career spans nearly four decades, beginning with his PhD at Paris VI University and early innovations in the growth of III-V nanostructures. He has held key leadership positions at the French Atomic Commission (CEA) and is the founding director of PHELIQS. His pioneering contributions to quantum dot research and quantum light sources have earned him numerous accolades, including the 2016 Léon Brillouin Grand Prize of the French Optical Society and the 2024 Welker Award.

INL extends its sincere thanks to Prof Gérard for his visit and for sharing such a rich and forward-looking perspective on the intersection of materials science, quantum optics, and photonic engineering. His talk offered valuable insights for researchers across disciplines and highlighted the growing impact of quantum photonics in enabling future technologies.

We warmly invite all interested colleagues and collaborators to join us for the next edition of the Colloquium Series 2025.