University
of Toronto
Physics Department
Joint Quantum Optics and Condensed Matter/Photonics Research Ontario Seminar
MONDAY SEMINAR
University
of Toronto
MONDAY SEMINAR
| Speaker : | PROF. ARTHUR L. SMIRL
Laboratory for Photonics and Quantum Electronics University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa |
| Topic : | "Do Semiconductors and Atoms Emit Coherent Light Differently" |
| Time : | Monday, April 3, 2000 at 12:10 p.m. |
| Place : | Room 408, Burton Tower 60 St. George Street / 255 Huron Street |
Abstract
The coherent emission of light associated with band-to-band transitions in bulk semiconductors and multiple quantum wells (MQWs) is directly determined by the nonequilibrium carrier and exciton dynamics. In this talk, I will describe sensitive techniques that allow one to measure the amplitude, phase and polarization state of extremely weak, ultrafast coherent emission from semiconductor MQWs. I will show that the vectorial dynamics contain useful information about exciton-exciton interactions, quantum interference effects and material anisotropies that would be difficult to obtain in any other way and that provide stringent tests for theoretical models attempting to describe coherent interactions in semiconductors. Specifically, I will use this data to discuss when--if ever-it is appropriate to use atomic models todescribe coherent emission from excitons in semiconductors.
Local Host: Henry
van Driel 
(416-978-4200)
See http://www.physics.utoronto.ca/~qocmp
PLEASE NOTE UNUSUAL DAY, TIME AND PLACE FOR PHOTONICS RESEARCH ONTARIO SEMINARS