'I've Always Been Keen to Engage in Experiments and Operate Scientific Instruments'

During his early years at university, physicist Ivan Makhov worried that he might be dismissed, but today he is heading a study supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation. In this interview with the HSE Young Scientists project, he shares his work experience using a closed-loop cryostat, his dream of conversing with Einstein, and favourite location in his hometown of St Petersburg.

Why I Chose to Pursue a Career in Science

During my first years as a student at the SPbPU Faculty of Radiophysics (now the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications), I did not consider a career in science. Instead, my primary concern was to avoid being dismissed. I was not the strongest student to say the least, and I struggled just to stay afloat in my studies. However, by my third year, I began to feel more confident. When the time came to assign us to research laboratories, I followed the advice of senior students and requested to join the laboratory led by Vadim Panevin, Senior Lecturer at the Laboratory of Non-equilibrium Electron Optics.

I was keen to engage in hands-on research, participate in experiments, and operate scientific instruments. And coincidentally, shortly before I joined the laboratory, they had acquired new, cutting-edge equipment, including an infrared Fourier spectrometer, a closed-loop cryostat, and more—which I actively began to learn how to use.

In collaboration with Vadim Panevin, we conducted numerous new experiments and obtained interesting and novel scientific results. Thanks to his energy and enthusiasm, I developed a profound interest in scientific work, which I continue to pursue, although no longer at Polytechnic University.

The Subject of My Research

Today, my work as a Research Fellow of the International Laboratory of Quantum Optoelectronics at the HSE Campus in St Petersburg aligns with the activities of the laboratory, which primarily focuses on producing and analysing the characteristics of miniature detectors and emitters with a low-dimensional active region, intended for application in modern opto- and nanoelectronics. These micro devices can be used in modern photonics, where information is conveyed through light, which can enable higher data transmission and processing speeds compared to methods currently applied in electronics.

One area of research focuses on developing novel methods for controlling the generated wavelength and spectral coding of radiation from injection microlasers with quantum dots. As part of these studies, we aim to induce microlasers—devices measuring dozens of micrometres or less—to emit light coherently and simultaneously at multiple significantly different wavelengths, while also being able to control their characteristics. In this scenario, we anticipate transmitting more than 1 bit of data at once, thereby increasing the operation speed of optoelectronic systems employing such micro-emitters. The Russian Science Foundation has supported research in this area, and I am the Project Head.

I am also involved in other research at the laboratory in the framework of grants from the Russian Science Foundation, state assignments, and mirror laboratory projects in collaboration with the Southern Federal University, and also in connection with operating the unique Comprehensive Electronic Facility, which comprises cutting-edge scientific equipment installed at the laboratory.

What I Take Pride in

Each of the scientific results obtained has required effort, energy, and time, and I take pride in all of them. Nevertheless, I cannot claim all the credit, as achieving a result almost always involves teamwork. Somebody had to formulate the idea/concept of the study, synthesise samples for research, carry out various post-growth operations, conduct experimental and theoretical studies, and, of course, analyse the results.

Among the studies in which I have been directly involved, I would like to highlight the recent findings regarding the characteristics of two-level laser generation in injection microdisk lasers with quantum dots. We were able to determine the influence of the temperature and diameter of a microdisk resonator laser on the typical wavelengths and threshold currents in a two-level generation mode. Additionally, we uncovered potential for widening the spectral gap between laser lines in the two-level generation mode by employing resonators of complex shapes.

I would also like to mention a collection of scientific papers dedicated to the development of terahertz radiation sources relying on impurity electron transitions in quantum wells with optical and electric pumping. Most of them were included in my PhD dissertation defended in 2020.

Attaining high-quality, world-class results would have been virtually impossible without the guidance and mentorship of highly qualified scientists—in my case, the Head of the Laboratory Natalia Kryzhanovskaya and its Academic Supervisor Alexey Zhukov.

If I Hadn't Become a Scientist

On one hand, I enjoy designing things and working with tools, so I could have pursued woodworking. For example, I once crafted a wooden table and matching benches, which brought me great pleasure. On the other hand, I have a keen interest in medicine and no fear of blood, so I could perhaps practice surgery, given the appropriate training.

Scientists I Would Like to Meet

Of course, I would love to converse with humankind's great minds, such as Albert Einstein or James Clerk Maxwell. However, I'm unsure if my level of knowledge would suffice for a meaningful conversation with them.

My Typical Day

It starts around 7 am with the alarm clock ringing. I prepare for work while my wife gets our daughter ready for kindergarten. I arrive at the laboratory between 8:30 and 9 am. By that time, I've already formulated a detailed action plan for the day in my mind. If I need to conduct experimental studies on nanostructures at cryogenic temperatures that day, my first step is to activate the cooling system of the closed-loop optical cryostat, which, in a little over three hours, will bring the temperature of the test sample down to 5K (or about minus 268 °C).

While the cryostat is cooling, I engage in computer work, such as processing results, writing or editing papers, or participate in discussions on current matters with the laboratory team.

Next, I activate additional equipment as needed, such as a monochromator, lasers, power supply units, or pulse generators, and begin taking the required measurements, which may extend well into the evening.

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays around midday, I conduct practical classes in quantum optoelectronics for fourth-year students and laboratory classes in general physics for first- and second-year students. Furthermore, we host student visits to our laboratory, where they participate in the experiments we conduct; these students also require guidance and attention.

How I Deal with Burnout

In my opinion, burnout can affect individuals who have been doing the same job for an extended period. At the laboratory, however, the mix of tasks to perform continuously evolves, necessitating a shift in activities and thereby guarding against burnout. I am deeply immersed in the scientific process, and burnout does not concern me at this stage. 

My Interests Besides Science

Football. I play football with my friends at an indoor facility once or twice a week. Sports provide an outlet for emotions, a distraction from current tasks, and, to some extent, a means to relax and have fun.

Advice for Those Choosing a Career Path

Choose something that interests and fascinates you as a subject for your study or work. Of course, it's easier said than done: how can one determine what they truly enjoy? I would recommend exploring as many career opportunities as possible, seeking guidance from senior colleagues, and being open to changing jobs if you lose interest in a particular field. A new workplace can offer fresh emotions and experiences, and in return, you can contribute your knowledge to a new team.

My Favourite Location in St Petersburg

St Petersburg, my birthplace and current home, is so beautiful that it's hard to pick just one favourite spot. Let's say it's our apartment, where I return from work to my beloved wife and daughter.