Peter Horak

About

ORC PhD Admissions Tutor

Co-Director EPSRC CDT in Next Generation Computational Modelling

Dr Horak obtained a MSc degree in Theoretical Physics in 1993 and a PhD degree in Theoretical Quantum Optics in 1997 from the University of Innsbruck, Austria. He held research positions at the University of Innsbruck, at the Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris, France, and at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK, before joining the ORC in 2001. He now holds the position of Associate Professor and heads the Computational Nonlinear Optics group.

Research

Research interests

Theory and simulation of nonlinear and quantum optics
Laser pulse propagation and manipulation in optical fibres
Quantum technology, integrated optics, optical resonators
Microstructured and tapered optical fibres
High-harmonic generation

Current research

Dr Horak is interested in the theoretical and numerical investigation of a wide range of photonics systems from fundamental physics to photonic engineering, from single photons to Gigawatt level laser pulses, from integrated devices to optical fibres.

A particular research focus is on nonlinear optics in guided-wave structures, such as the simulation of short laser pulse propagation in optical fibres leading to spatial and spectral reshaping of the laser field. The work addresses fundamental photonics questions as well as simulation methods, optimisation of devices, and applications in, for example, telecommunications, sensing, and high-power lasers.

Quantum technology is another major area of Dr Horak’s research. In close collaboration with other groups in the UK National Quantum Technology Programme he investigates novel devices that combine matter-based quantum bits (qubits), such as single trapped ions, with photonics, such as optical waveguides and optical resonators. Such devices are expected to be the basic components of future quantum sensing, secure communication, and quantum computing applications.