Higher-order photon statistics in SPDC
We measure spectrally resolved higher-order photon statistics with a four-detector HBT coupled to a spectrometer, revealing wavelength-dependent generation efficiencies and non-Poissonian behavior.
Welcome to the Thomay Lab
We study quantum light, plasmonics, and nanostructures. This site collects our research, publications, and teaching materials.
About
The Thomay Lab explores the interaction of light and matter at the quantum level. We study photon statistics, plasmonic nanostructures, and nonlinear optical phenomena to develop new tools for quantum information, sensing, and materials characterization.
Our group combines tabletop quantum optics with fiber-integrated devices, advanced spectroscopy, and computational methods — bridging fundamental quantum physics and practical photonic technologies.
News
- New publication in J. Optics — Spectrally resolved higher-order photon statistics from SPDC. See J. Optics.
- Preprint released: Quantum fingerprints for plant productivity on arXiv.
- Congratulations to Umadini Ranasinghe for completing her M.S. in Physics!
- Website redesign launched with automatic ORCID-based publication updates and Discord integration.
Research
Our lab builds advanced quantum light sources and measurement tools to push fundamental and applied frontiers— from photon-number–resolved quantum optics and foundational tests, to fiber-integrated nonlinear optics and AI-assisted quantum sensing with impact in the physical and life sciences. We particularly develop and use higher-order Fock states for precision metrology, communication, and computation.
Intracavity SHG from a WSe₂ monolayer
A monolayer TMD on a fiber tip inside a mode-locked Yb fiber laser generates stable second-harmonic light without disrupting mode-locking—an all-fiber route to compact frequency conversion.
Quantum fingerprints for plant productivity
Introducing quantum emitters into leaves and analyzing higher-order correlations with a CNN, we classify photosynthetic states and link quantum signals to plant health under different growth conditions.
Statistical model for spin & photon-number states
A discrete, event-centric framework reproduces spin-rotation probabilities and extends to photon-number experiments, suggesting tabletop tests of foundational models.
For a full list of publications, visit Dr. Thomay’s ORCID profile.
Teaching
Dr. Thomay regularly teaches and develops courses in computational and experimental physics, emphasizing open, reproducible workflows using Python, data visualization, and simulation methods. Resources and materials for these courses are openly available through the UB-SUNY GitHub organization.
- Computational Physics (PHY 386) — Course materials and assignments available at github.com/ubsuny/PHY386.
- CompPhys: Numerical and Simulation Tools — Repository of reusable Python notebooks and utilities for teaching and research: github.com/ubsuny/CompPhys.
- Additional computational physics and data analysis teaching resources are collected under the UB-SUNY organization: github.com/ubsuny.
Contact
Department, University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY, USA
Email: thomay [at] buffalo [dot] edu