Enrico Da Como

Dr. Enrico Da Como is a Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor) in the Department of Physics at the University of Bath, UK, where he has been since 2012. He serves as Head of the Condensed Matter and Quantum Materials Group and is affiliated with the Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials. His research focuses on the interaction of light with condensed matter systems, particularly using advanced spectroscopic techniques to study fundamental excitations in quantum materials.

His academic journey includes:

• University Assistant (W1) at the Department of Physics, LMU Munich (Germany), 2008-2012
• Visiting Scientist at the Department of Physics, University of Utah (USA), 2008
• Post-Doc at the Photonics and Optoelectronics Group, LMU Munich (Germany), 2006-2007
• PhD from C.N.R. and University of Bologna (Italy), 2003-2006
• MSc from University of Modena (Italy), 2002

Da Como's research primarily investigates the interaction of light with condensed matter, with a focus on fundamental excitations such as excitons, plasmons, polarons and phonons in molecular solids and nanostructures. His work employs a range of experimental techniques from single molecule spectroscopy to femtosecond nonlinear optical methods. This fundamental research is complemented by collaborations with industry partners exploring applications in solar energy conversion, sensing technologies, and information systems. His current research emphasizes charge density wave materials, quantum phase transitions, and the development of novel spectroscopic approaches to probe non-equilibrium states in quantum materials.

Analysis of his most recent publications reveals a strong focus on charge density wave systems, particularly 1T-TaSe₂ and related materials. His work combines ultrafast spectroscopy with theoretical modeling to understand the interplay between electronic, lattice, and magnetic degrees of freedom in quantum materials. A significant portion of his research investigates non-equilibrium phenomena, using light to induce and probe metastable states in quantum materials, with potential applications in next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Da Como has secured significant research funding from prestigious organizations:

• Principal Investigator for "New quantum platforms for nanomagnetic sensing in 2D" (UK Research & Innovation, 2025-2027)
• Principal Investigator for "Light induced metastable phases in quantum materials" (The Royal Society, 2022-2025)
• Principal Investigator for "Controlling Charge Density Waves with Light and 2D Self Assembly" (The Royal Society, 2017-2019)
• Co-Investigator for "Pyroelectric water splitting and water treatment using ferroelectric materials" (The Leverhulme Trust, 2019-2021)

As an active supervisor, Da Como is accepting doctoral students and has supervised 10 research projects. His laboratory combines advanced optical techniques with low-temperature and high-pressure methodologies to probe quantum materials under extreme conditions. His group collaborates extensively with researchers across Europe and the United States, contributing to the international effort to understand and harness quantum phenomena for future technologies.