Coherent electronic coupling in quantum dot solids induces cooperative enhancement of nonlinear optoelectronic responses.

Abstract

Synchronized dynamics of quantum dot (QD) ensembles are essential for generating ultrafast and giant optical responses beyond those of individual QDs. Increasing the strength of the direct electronic coupling between QDs is a key strategy for the realization of cooperative quantum phenomena. Here, we observe a quantum cooperative effect on nonlinear photocurrents caused by the coherent electronic coupling in semiconductor QD solids. We measure quantum interference signals cooperatively generated in QD solids. We control the inter-QD distance with atomic precision using bidentate ligands that strongly link the QDs. The harmonic quantum interference signals are strongly enhanced when shortening the molecular length of the ligand. Furthermore, we clarify that the coherence length of multiexcitons extends to neighbouring QDs. This finding is direct evidence that multiexciton coherent tunnelling assists the ultrafast exciton delocalization. Cooperative enhancement in QD solids may find application in advanced quantum optoelectronics.