Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
Quantum Interference Control of Photocurrents in Semiconductors by Nonlinear Optical Absorption Processes
Kai Wang1, Rodrigo A Muniz2, J E Sipe2
1Physics Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
This study demonstrates quantum interference control in semiconductors using two nonlinear optical absorption processes. Researchers observed injection current modulation by tuning the intensities and phases of incident light fields.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Semiconductor physics
- Nonlinear optics
Background:
- Nonlinear optical absorption is crucial for semiconductor device applications.
- Quantum interference offers novel pathways for controlling light-matter interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate quantum interference control in semiconductors.
- To investigate the interplay between two-photon and three-photon absorption processes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing two optical beams with frequencies ω and 3ω/2.
- Incident light on Aluminum Gallium Arsenide (AlGaAs) semiconductor.
- Measuring injection current generated by interfering absorption processes.
Main Results:
- Observed quantum interference between two- and three-photon absorption.
- Demonstrated control over injection current via optical field manipulation.
- Analyzed the dependence of current on light intensities and phases.
Conclusions:
- Quantum interference provides a mechanism for controlling nonlinear optical absorption in semiconductors.
- This control can be leveraged for advanced optical devices.
- Further research can explore tailored semiconductor absorption properties.
Related Concept Videos
06:42Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
12:19Measurement of Quantum Interference in a Silicon Ring Resonator Photon Source
07:56A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
09:23Quantum State Engineering of Light with Continuous-wave Optical Parametric Oscillators
14:58Silicon Metal-oxide-semiconductor Quantum Dots for Single-electron Pumping
01:25Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Interference
Spectral interference occurs when signals from other elements or molecules overlap with the analyte signal, falsely elevating or masking the analyte's absorbance. This interference can be corrected using Zeeman,...