Coherent interactions and femtosecond pulse propagation in semiconductors

S. W. Koch, R. Binder, Y. Z. Hu, F. Jahnke, A. Knorr, M. Lindberg, W. Schafer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The optical response of semiconductors on an ultrafast (femtosecond) time scale is significantly affected by many-particle interactions of the excited electrons and holes. In this paper we address three aspects: (1) coherent excitation dynamics in systems of different dimensionality, (2) signatures of memory effects in dephasing processes, and (3) pulse propagation effects. First, we show that the influence of the coherent exchange interaction, which modifies the external field and increases the effective Rabi frequency, is similar in bulk and quantum-well systems but is reduced in thick quantum wires. Secondly, we study incoherent effects. To determine the non-Markovian character of dephasing processes in a two-pulse scenario, we propose the use of chirped pulses. The theoretical results were obtained with a Gaussian memory function that models dephasing due to electronphonon scattering. Finally, the influence of exchange and correlation effects on the pulse propagation is discussed for both noninverted semiconductors and semiconductor amplifiers. The problem of long-distance propagation is addressed, and, in particular, recent results are presented for a gain-absorption compensation; these results indicate the possibility of long-distance propagation of light pulses in amplifiers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the International Quantum Electronics Conference (IQEC'94)
PublisherPubl by IEEE
Pages144-145
Number of pages2
ISBN (Print)0780319737
StatePublished - 1994
Externally publishedYes
EventProceedings of the 21st International Quantum Electronics Conference (IQEC'94) - Anaheim, CA, USA
Duration: May 8 1994May 13 1994

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Quantum Electronics Conference (IQEC'94)

Other

OtherProceedings of the 21st International Quantum Electronics Conference (IQEC'94)
CityAnaheim, CA, USA
Period5/8/945/13/94

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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