#  Research 

 



QEMISD advances room-temperature MWIR single-photon detection by combining **ENZ nonlinear media**, **ultra-high-SNR detectors**, and **system-level QND integration** across three Integrated Research Thrusts (IRTs).

 ![Intergated_Research_Thrusts](/sites/g/files/omnuum10801/files/2026-03/Screenshot%202026-03-13%20at%206.31.01%E2%80%AFPM.png)

 



 

 

 

### IRT 1 — ENZ XPM platform for QND detection

  
IRT 1 develops **low-loss, strongly nonlinear ENZ (meta)materials** that maximize MWIR **cross-phase modulation (XPM)** for quantum nondemolition (QND) measurements, while managing loss and damage thresholds. The thrust also advances theoretical and computational tools for realistic XPM at the single-photon level and integrates ENZ hosts into QND test platforms.

- ENZ material platforms (e.g., CdO / ITO) engineered for large Kerr nonlinearity with reduced optical loss.
- Modeling frameworks that include dispersion, loss, and non-Hermitian effects for realistic quantum optical prediction.
- QND platform concepts based on probe phase readout via balanced detection.

### IRT 2 — ENZ-enhanced MWIR Topological Photodiode

IRT 2 engineers **ENZ–topological heterostructures** to achieve MWIR photovoltaic detection with detectivity approaching the **blackbody background limit** at room temperature. Work includes perfect-absorption designs, intrinsic photovoltaic mechanisms in quantum materials, and device fabrication/characterization workflows to translate materials discoveries into detector performance.

- Perfect absorption structures coupled to ENZ and topological materials for enhanced MWIR responsivity.
- Device fabrication in inert environments and scanning photocurrent microscopy workflows.
- Near-field / FTIR characterization and simulation-driven design loops for heterostructures.
    
     ![CdO2](/sites/g/files/omnuum10801/files/2026-03/Screenshot%202026-03-13%20at%206.38.38%E2%80%AFPM.png)

### IRT 3 — Nanophotonic MWIR ENZ Thermopile Detectors  


IRT 3 develops plasmonic ENZ bolometers/thermopiles designed for **high thermovoltage**, **narrow spectral selectivity**, and **low noise** MWIR detection. This includes improving ENZ host materials (e.g., CdO) for reduced loss, engineering interfaces that maximize thermovoltage, and developing scalable patterning/doping strategies for thermopile arrays.

- Growth and processing improvements to reduce optical loss and improve mobility in ENZ hosts (e.g., CdO).
- Nanophotonic absorber design for narrowband MWIR selectivity and enhanced thermal transduction.
- Patterned doping/patterning approaches to enable thermopile geometries and scaling.
    
     ![CdO](/sites/g/files/omnuum10801/files/2026-03/Screenshot%202026-03-13%20at%206.36.15%E2%80%AFPM.png)



 

##  Cross-cutting capabilities 

- Shared ENZ materials growth, characterization (optical, near-field), and nanofabrication workflows across IRTs.
- Joint system-level architecture connecting materials advances to detector performance and QND demonstrations.