Abstract
Spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) refers to the phenomenon where a system transitions from a symmetric to an asymmetric state due to an infinitesimally small change in a parameter. In this seminar, SSB will be explored in the context of optical Kerr resonators – nonlinear devices with wide-ranging applications, including frequency comb generation (optical "rulers"), gyroscopes, polarization control, random number generation, and all-optical computing.
Designed for a general physics audience, this talk begins by introducing the fundamental concepts behind SSB and Kerr resonators. It then explores symmetry breaking between two – and later four – circulating light fields within these resonators.
A central topic will be the formation and behavior of Temporal Cavity Solitons (TCS), localized pulses that persist within the resonator. Their role in SSB and in the creation of optical frequency combs will be discussed in detail. If time permits, the talk will conclude with highlights from recent research, including the dynamics of coupled resonator systems, systems where TCS structures can interact – effectively “communicating” to create collective system behavior – and an introduction to the newly discovered faticon subset of solitons.
Dr. Lewis Hill is a Senior Scientist at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light in Erlangen, Germany. He earned his PhD in Physics from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, in 2021, in partnership with the National Physical Laboratory, London.
Following his doctorate, Dr. Hill held an internationally collaborative postdoctoral fellowship between the Max Planck Institute and the University of Strathclyde. He later joined the Max Planck Institute full-time as a Senior Scientist, where he continues to advance cutting-edge research into the photonic effects within Kerr resonators. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Hill has received several prestigious honors. These include the Professor John Parrot Prize (Cardiff University), the Fred Stern Prize (University of Strathclyde), and a national recognition award across all natural and life sciences at the 2021 UK Doctoral Awards. He was recently named one of Scotland’s emerging researchers by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council.
He has been awarded numerous competitive scholarships, including a Mac Robertson Scholarship for a visiting position at the University of Auckland, a UK Government BEIS scholarship for advanced training in Science and Technology Leadership and Management, a SALTO award from the Max Planck Society for an extended research exchange at the Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire Carnot de Bourgogne (CNRS) in France, and most recently a Traveling Lecturer Award from Optica to journey to Québec as a visiting scholar at Concordia University, undertaking a research project funded in part by the Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie and speaking as guest lecturer at several research institutes in the area including INRS - Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Université Laval, École de technologie supérieure and Concordia.
In addition to his research, Dr. Hill is passionate about student and Early Career development. He previously served as Development Officer for the Strathclyde Doctoral School, contributing to institution-wide initiatives to enhance the doctoral experience, and currently holds the chair of the both the global Optica Nonlinear Optics Technical Group, the Future Photonics Leaders Group that represents the UK-wide interests of young photonics talent, and is a 2026 Ambassador for Optica.
Google Scholar Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=oMujq8wAAAAJ&hl=en