Two-laser dynamic nuclear polarization with semiconductor electrons: Feedback, suppressed fluctuations, and bistability near two-photon resonance

Abstract

We present how optical coherent population trapping (CPT) of the spin of localized semiconductor electrons stabilizes the surrounding nuclear spin bath via the hyperfine interaction, resulting in a state which is more ordered than the thermal equilibrium state. We find distinct control regimes for different signs of laser detuning and examine the transition from an unpolarized, narrowed state to a polarized state possessing a bistability. The narrowing of the state yields slower electron spin dephasing and self-improving CPT. Our analysis is relevant for a variety of solid state systems where hyperfine-induced dephasing is a limitation for using electron spin coherence.