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Resonance Fluorescence of an InGaAs Quantum Dot in a Planar Cavity Using Orthogonal Excitation and Detection
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Fermi-edge superfluorescence from a quantum-degenerate electron-hole gas.
Ji-Hee Kim1, G Timothy Noe, Stephen A McGill
1Departments of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Physics & Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
Scientific Reports
|November 22, 2013
Summary
Researchers observed superfluorescence (SF), a coherent light emission, from electron-hole pairs in semiconductor quantum wells. This quantum phenomenon, driven by nonequilibrium conditions, exhibits enhanced "super" properties due to Coulomb interactions.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Optics
- Semiconductor Physics
Background:
- Out-of-equilibrium many-body systems can exhibit self-organization and generate macroscopic coherence.
- Spontaneous emission in semiconductors typically occurs at the band edge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the observation of spontaneous bursts of coherent radiation from a quantum-degenerate gas of nonequilibrium electron-hole pairs.
- To investigate the mechanism behind this novel emission and its enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Experimental observation of coherent radiation from semiconductor quantum wells.
- Analysis of emission characteristics, including spectral shifts and dependence on carrier recombination.
Main Results:
- Observed spontaneous bursts of coherent radiation occurring at the quasi-Fermi edge, not the band edge.
- A continuously red-shifting emission streak was observed as carriers recombined.
- Emission interpreted as cooperative spontaneous recombination (superfluorescence) enhanced by Coulomb interactions.
Conclusions:
- Nonequilibrium electron-hole pairs in semiconductor quantum wells can exhibit superfluorescence.
- Coulomb interactions near the Fermi edge provide a novel many-body enhancement mechanism for superfluorescence.
- This enhancement allows for macroscopic polarization exceeding that of conventional superfluorescence.
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