Title :
Coherent all-optical polarization switching in quantum wells
Author :
Gansen, E.J. ; Jarasiunas, K. ; Hawkins, S.A. ; Stevens, M.J. ; Smirl, A.L.
Author_Institution :
Lab. for Photonics & Quantum Electron., Iowa Univ., Iowa City, IA, USA
Abstract :
A coherent all-optical nonlinear polarization switch based on exciton-exciton correlations is demonstrated in a multiple-quantum-well semiconductor structure. A contrast ratio of 8:1 and a relaxation time of less than a picosecond are reported at 80 K using only 10 wells. The results are compared to a similar switch, which makes use of electron spin.
Keywords :
excitons; high-speed optical techniques; light coherence; light polarisation; nonlinear optics; optical switches; semiconductor quantum wells; 80 K; coherent all-optical nonlinear polarization switch; coherent all-optical polarization switching; contrast ratio; electron spin; exciton-exciton correlations; multiple-quantum-well semiconductor structure; optical switches; quantum wells; relaxation time; Anisotropic magnetoresistance; Geometrical optics; Nonlinear optical devices; Nonlinear optics; Optical materials; Optical polarization; Optical pumping; Optical sensors; Optical switches; Ultrafast optics;
Conference_Titel :
Nonlinear Optics: Materials, Fundamentals, and Applications, 2000. Technical Digest
Conference_Location :
Kaua´i-Lihue, HI, USA
Print_ISBN :
1-55752-646-X
DOI :
10.1109/NLO.2000.883581
