
Howdy!
Welcome to my corner of the internet.
I am a Ph.D. candidate in Physics at Texas A&M University, where I work at the intersection of quantum sensing, ultrafast photonics, and laser–matter interactions for fusion-energy research. My projects include developing all-optical thermometry using Nickel and Germanium color centers, exploring magneto‐sensing techniques for solid-state materials, and using ultrafast pulse lasers to study extreme light–matter dynamics relevant to inertial confinement fusion.
Outside the lab, I’m part of the Aggie Magic Circle, where I blend science and storytelling to make science engaging and accessible. I directed Unreal Reality, a science-and-magic stage production, and I love using illusion as a way to spark scientific curiosity. I also serve as President of the Texas A&M OPTICA Student Chapter, In parallel, I mentor undergraduate researchers through the DEEP program.
When I’m not aligning optics or debugging magic, you’ll usually find me playing guitar or tabla—experimenting with music the same way I experiment in the lab: curiosity first, perfection second.
If you're exploring research opportunities, want to collaborate, or are simply curious about quantum physics or magic (or both!), feel free to reach out. And if you’re a student, check out my DEEP projects and science–magic outreach linked below — I’d love to connect.

Publications
Aerosol Detection and Characterization using Digital Inline Holography
P. Sahoo, A. Gonzalez, C. Garman, C. Meadlin, S. Schiller, A. Dharmasiri, M. Harlow, B. Vaidya, A. Verhoef, A. Sokolov. in Optica Imaging Congress 2025, Technical Digest Series, Optica Publishing Group, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1364/DH.2025.DTh1C.4
Near-Infrared Optical Thermometry of Nickel Color Centers in Diamond
A. Dharmasiri, C. Vincent, T. I. Rajib, M. Pochechuev, X. Liu, A. J. Verhoef, P. Hemmer, A. M. Zheltikov. Opt. Lett. Jan 2025. https://doi.org/10.1364/OL.544091
Sensitivity and heat penalty in all-optical quantum thermometry with Germanium-vacancy color centers in diamond
A. Dharmasiri, C. Vincent, T. I. Rajib, M. Pochechuev, X. Liu, A. J. Verhoef, G. S. Agarwal, A. M. Zheltikov. Appl. Phys. Lett. 26 August 2024; 125 (9): 091102. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0207531
Preliminary Observation of Vibrational Resonances and Propagation Modes in Cold Atom Dissipative 3D Optical Lattices
A. Dharmasiri. 2019, Thesis: Master of Science in Physics, Miami University, Thesis link
Investigation of the Adsorption Process of Hexavalent Chromium with Polyaniline/Coconut Coir Composite
A. Dharmasiri. 2017, Thesis: Master of Science in Physics of Materials, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Thesis link

Presentations & Posters
Research contributions include work on quantum defects in diamond, laser-driven fusion energy systems, Hong–Ou–Mandel (HOM) interferometry, ultracold atom Brillouin ratchets, and development of materials to purify heavy-metal ions from water.












