Dynamical model for coherent optical manipulation of a single spin state in a charged quantum dot

Abstract

AbstractThe optically‐induced coherent spin dynamics of a single spin confined in a charged quantum dot (QD) is theoretically studied employing coupled vector Maxwell‐pseudospin formalism. Generalized pseudospin master equation is derived for description of the time evolution of spin coherences and spin populations including spin population transfer and dissipation in the system through spin relaxation processes. The equation is solved in the time domain self‐consistently with the vector Maxwell equations for the optical wave propagation coupled to it via macroscopic medium polarisation. Using the model the long‐lived electron spin coherence left behind a single resonant ultrashort optical excitation of the electron‐trion transition in a charged QD is simulated in the low‐ and high‐intensity Rabi oscillations regime. Signatures of the polarised photoluminescence (PL), predicted by the model, such as the appearance of a second echo pulse after the excitation and characteristic PL trace shape, are discussed for realization of high‐fidelity schemes for coherent readout of a single spin polarisation state. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)