Engineering light-matter interactions: Nanostructures and polaritons

Matthew Pelton — mpelton@umbc.edu

Hendrik Utzat — hutzat@berkeley.edu

Maxim Sukharev — maxim.sukharev@asu.edu

Alejandro Manjavacas — manjavacas@unm.edu

Controlling light-matter interactions drives innovation across optoelectronics, photonics, and photochemistry. Two interrelated strategies have recently emerged to deliver unprecedented control at the nanoscale. First, researchers engineer the size, shape, and arrangement of metal and semiconductor nanostructures. Second, strong coupling between confined optical modes and material transitions are used to generate hybrid polariton states.

Despite rapid progress, the fundamental limits of these approaches remain an open question. The scientific community must still determine exactly what future applications these phenomena can truly enable.

This workshop unites theorists and experimentalists to address these cutting-edge challenges. We will explore the frontiers of nanophotonics, including plasmonics, polaritonics, and quantum photonics. Sessions will focus on the synthesis, measurement, and theoretical modeling of these complex systems. Together, we aim to uncover and define the next generation of phenomena enabled by tailored light-matter interactions.

We wish to ensure an intimate workshop setting, with no more than 20 to 25 participants. If you are interested in attending but have not received an invitation, please contact the workshop organizer before registering.

Sessions typically run mornings and late afternoons, leaving mid-day free for informal collaboration.

Travel to Telluride can be expensive; please assess your own potential travel costs before registering.

Please book your travel plans! The Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the most reliable and convenient airport for Telluride.

Telluride Science can provide lodging starting as low as $215/night during off-peak weeks and as low as $250/night during peak-season at the Mountainside Inn. These affordable lodging options are limited and available first-come, first-serve. To encourage participants to secure affordable lodging, we offer a $100 discount on lodging provided through Telluride Science that is secured before the Early Bird deadline. Additionally, we work with many lodging providers in Telluride and Mountain Village to offer discounts between 10-15% off your total lodging balance. Additional information provided with registration.

If you have more questions about lodging, reach out to Sara at sara@telluridescience.org.

Registrations may be refunded less a $25 cancellation fee. If cancelled before the lodging cancellation deadline, lodging payments are refundable less a $100 cancellation fee. It is each participant's responsibility to confirm and understand their own lodging cancellation deadline. Travel insurance is highly recommended.