NYC Gazette

Columbia Engineering PhD student Emanuil Yanev is at the forefront of groundbreaking research on single photon emitters. Yanev and his team are pushing the boundaries of 2D materials to enhance their light-producing capabilities in a controlled manner.

Yanev emphasizes the importance of single photons in the development of a quantum internet, stating, "Single photons can be really important elements in transferring information while preserving its quantum nature." Their experimentation involves using strain to create single photons, aiming to achieve antibunching, a key indicator of single photon emission.

The team's recent work, published in Nature Communications, involved strategically placing atomically thin layers of tungsten diselenide on nanoscopic gold cones to induce single photon emission at room temperature. Yanev explains, "We observed power saturation, which is pretty strong evidence for single photon emission."

Looking ahead, Yanev envisions integrating single photon sources onto circuit chips, a significant step towards practical applications. He also highlights the broader goal of understanding the fundamental properties of these materials to drive future advancements in technology.

Beyond his research endeavors, Yanev shares insights into his background, including his journey from Bulgaria to Idaho and his passion for engineering. He also engages in unexpected hobbies like mountain biking in Manhattan, underscoring his diverse interests and contributions to the community.

As Yanev nears the completion of his PhD, he looks forward to transitioning into the quantum computing industry, leveraging his expertise in nanofabrication and 2D materials. His advice to aspiring researchers is to embrace failure as a part of the learning process, emphasizing the value of perseverance and open-mindedness in scientific exploration.