Minimizing the quantum-confinement effects on nonlinear optical properties of quantum wires

Abstract

Quantum-confined systems, such as quantum wires, have attracted attention because their nonlinear optical (NLO) properties are enhanced due to confinement effects. In the present work, we have developed a method to study what other factors may affect the NLO properties of such systems. For this purpose, we develop a model system that eliminates confinement effect contributions to the NLO properties. We test the validity of our model by verifying that the sum rules, which are a direct consequence of quantum mechanics, are obeyed. This allows us to focus on how the NLO response of a quantum wire depends on parameters such as the geometry and topology of quantum loops, which are built from networks of quantum wires.