Auger and spin dynamics in a self-assembled quantum dot

Abstract

The Zeeman-split spin states of a single quantum dot can be used together with its optical trion transitions to form a spin–photon interface between a stationary (the spin) and a flying (the photon) quantum bit. In addition to long coherence times of the spin state itself, the limiting decoherence mechanisms of the trion states are of central importance. Here, we investigate in time-resolved resonance fluorescence the electron spin and trion dynamics in a single self-assembled quantum dot in an applied magnetic field of up to B=10 T. The quantum dot is only weakly coupled to an electron reservoir with tunneling rates of about 1ms−1. Using this sample structure, we can measure, in addition to the spin-flip rate of the electron and the spin-flip Raman rate of the trion transition, the Auger recombination process that scatters an Auger electron into the conduction band. The Auger effect destroys the radiative trion transition and leaves the quantum dot empty until an electron tunnels from the reservoir into the dot. The combination of an Auger recombination event with subsequent electron tunneling from the reservoir can flip the electron spin and thus constitutes another mechanism that limits the spin lifetime.