Dynamic optical response of an excitonic quantum dot studied by solving the self-consistent Maxwell-Schrödinger equations nonperturbatively

Abstract

The optical excitation of a quantum dot in real-world working conditions is studied by self-consistent solution of the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation coupled to the Maxwell equations by the finite-difference time domain method, resulting in a polarization modification which is the basis for the enhanced light-matter interaction in many nanoscale devices. The commonly used perturbational analysis approach is compared to the results and found to be an acceptable approximation even for intense femtosecond pulse excitations where using the perturbative approach is risky. This allows device designers and simulators to confidently use the simpler and faster perturbative results in their work.