Optical Generation of Terahertz Pulses in Quantum Wells

Paul C.M. Planken, Martin C. Nuss, Igal Brener, Keith W. Goossen, Marie S.C. Luo, Shun Lien Chuang, Loren Pfeiffer

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

Abstract

We report on the generation of terahertz pulses from the optical excitation of excitons in GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As quantum wells. In general there are two contributions to the THz signals for nonzero field. The first arises from the creation of excitons in states in which they are already polarized. This leads to a time-dependent polarization that grows with the integrated pulse energy and radiates a short electrical transient. The second one arises from the coherent excitation of both light hole and heavy hole excitons. The time evolution of the coherent superposition of these two exciton states gives rise to charge oscillations that radiate a terahertz signal consisting of several oscillations of the electric field. By applying a field to the sample we can tune the oscillation frequency from 1.4 to 2.6 THz.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationUltrafast Electronics and Optoelectronics, UEO 1993
PublisherOptica Publishing Group (formerly OSA)
Pages105-107
Number of pages3
ISBN (Electronic)1557522758
StatePublished - 1993
Externally publishedYes
EventUltrafast Electronics and Optoelectronics, UEO 1993 - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Jan 25 1993Jan 25 1993

Publication series

NameOptics InfoBase Conference Papers
ISSN (Electronic)2162-2701

Conference

ConferenceUltrafast Electronics and Optoelectronics, UEO 1993
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period1/25/931/25/93

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Mechanics of Materials

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