Said Rodriguez appointed Professor by Special Appointment in Emergence and Information in Light

Said Rahimzadeh Kalaleh Rodriguez has been appointed Professor by Special Appointment in Emergence and Information in Light. Rodriguez researches and develops information processing systems that are based on light rather than traditional electronics. These systems are promising when it comes to energy efficient, fast, and accurate computing. The chair was established by the Stichting ter Bevordering der Atoom- en Molecuulfysica and connects expertise at the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science and the Institute for Theoretical Physics, both part of Utrecht University, and the NWO institute AMOLF.

Nanophotonics is the science of how light behaves at the nanoscale. It’s becoming more and more important in technologies like lasers, solar panels, optical sensors, and optical computers. Many companies are investing in nanophotonics because it can be faster and more energy efficient than traditional electronics. Despite major progress in the field, there are still big scientific questions to solve. For instance, we don’t yet fully understand how to manage unwanted disturbances in these systems.

New collaborations, new ideas

Rodriguez will launch a research programme that combines both experiments and theoretical work to explore fundamental questions in the field. The experimental side will align with research at the Debye Institute, while the theoretical side will connect with the Institute for Theoretical Physics.

“For instance, my work is closely linked to that of professor Cristiane Morais Smith, who develops physical theories of condensed matter, and professor Allard Mosk, who experimentally investigates how light interacts with matter,” says Rodriguez. “This position offers an exciting opportunity to stimulate new collaborations and ideas between the two.”

Tools at AMOLF complement what we have at Utrecht University, and together they expand our research possibilities

Complementary research tools

Another key aim of the chair is to build stronger ties between Utrecht University and the NWO institute AMOLF, where Rodriguez leads the Interacting Photons group. One way to do this is by offering Utrecht students opportunities to intern at AMOLF or make use of its advanced research facilities. “AMOLF has cutting-edge equipment for research in nanoscience and nanotechnology, including an electron microscope equipped for optical studies,” Rodriguez explains. “These tools complement what we have at Utrecht University, and together they expand our research possibilities.”

The different perspectives young people have, increase the chances of asking questions no one’s thought of before

Inspired by nature

Rodriguez’s research mainly explores the role of noise in optical systems. In this context, "noise" means any unwanted disturbance in a light signal that makes it harder to transmit, detect, or process information accurately. Normally, the goal would be to remove that noise to make the system as clean as possible. But Rodriguez takes a different approach—he designs optical systems that make use of the noise. His work is inspired by a natural phenomenon known as stochastic resonance, where random noise doesn’t interfere with a weak signal but helps amplify it.

Working with young people

Rodriguez is both excited and thankful for his new role. It allows him to keep doing what he enjoys most: exploring new ideas and having his own thinking put to the test. “That’s what academia offers me,” he says with conviction. What he especially values is working with young people. “They often surprise me. Their different perspectives increase the chances of asking questions no one’s thought of before. And that’s what science is all about—discovering the unimaginable.”