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Resonance Fluorescence of an InGaAs Quantum Dot in a Planar Cavity Using Orthogonal Excitation and Detection
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Quantum-memory effects in the emission of quantum-dot microcavities
C Berger1, U Huttner1, M Mootz1
1Department of Physics, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Renthof 5, D-35032 Marburg, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|September 13, 2014
Summary
Quantum memory effects cause unexpected oscillations in optically pumped semiconductor microcavities. Researchers found these photon-density correlations can be controlled and enhanced by adjusting quantum fluctuations of the pump.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Solid-state physics
- Semiconductor microcavities
Background:
- Optically pumped semiconductor microcavities display complex input-output characteristics.
- Unexpected oscillations occur below the lasing threshold, deviating from linear behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the origin of oscillations in semiconductor microcavity input-output characteristics.
- To identify and characterize the observed oscillations as a quantum phenomenon.
- To investigate methods for controlling and enhancing these oscillations.
Main Methods:
- Experimental measurement of input-output characteristics.
- Systematic microscopic analysis to model the system.
- Application of projected quantum measurements.
- Adjustment of quantum fluctuations in the optical pump.
Main Results:
- Observed oscillations in the excitation power regime below lasing.
- Identified oscillations as a quantum-memory effect (photon-density correlation).
- Demonstrated control and enhancement of oscillations by up to an order of magnitude through pump fluctuation adjustment.
Conclusions:
- The observed oscillations are a genuine quantum-memory effect.
- Quantum fluctuations of the pump provide a controllable parameter to manipulate quantum-memory effects.
- This finding opens avenues for controlling quantum phenomena in semiconductor microcavities.
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