Microcavities combining a semiconductor with a fused-silica microsphere.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Electronics

Background:

• Whispering-gallery mode resonators are crucial for integrated optics.
• Semiconductor quantum wells offer unique optoelectronic properties.
• Efficient coupling between quantum emitters and optical modes is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the coupling efficiency between a semiconductor quantum well and a fused-silica microsphere.
• To characterize the optical properties of this novel microcavity system.
• To determine the feasibility of using such systems for advanced photonic applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hybrid microcavity system combining a semiconductor quantum well and a fused-silica microsphere.
• Excitation of excitonic photoluminescence in the quantum well.
• Utilizing resonant light-scattering techniques to measure system properties.
• Analysis of the influence of semiconductor nanostructure capping layer thickness.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated efficient coupling of excitonic photoluminescence into whispering-gallery modes.
• Achieved a high Q factor exceeding 10^5 for the microcavity system.
• Identified the critical role of thin capping layers (a few nanometers) for semiconductor nanostructures.

Conclusions:

• The novel microcavity system exhibits efficient light-matter interaction.
• High Q factors are achievable, indicating potential for sensitive photonic devices.
• Precise control over semiconductor nanostructure interfaces is essential for optimal performance.