Ultrafast polarization dynamics with controlled polarization oscillations in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

Abstract

Spintronic lasers offer promising perspectives for new concepts superior to options of purely charge-based devices. Especially spin-polarized vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (spin-VCSELs) exhibit ultrafast spin and polarization dynamics. Using pulsed spin-injection, oscillations in the circular polarization degree can be generated, which have the potential to exceed frequencies of 100 GHz. The oscillations evolve due to coupling of the carrier-spin-photon system for linear modes via birefringence in the VCSEL's cavity. They are independent of the conventional relaxation oscillations and thus their usage can be the cornerstone for ultrafast directly modulated spin-VCSELs in the near future. After giving a short overview of the state of scientific and technical knowledge we will outline a method to control the polarization oscillations by multiple spin-injection pulses. It is possible to switch these oscillations on and off, depending on phase and amplitude conditions of two consecutive excitation pulses. Even half-cycles can be generated, which is the basis for short polarization pulses, only limited by the polarization oscillation resonance frequency. We investigate influences of the birefringence, which directly determines the oscillation frequency, by means of calculations with the spin-flip-model and experimental verification using 850 nm VCSELs. Furthermore we discuss experimental possibilities of increasing the birefringence and therefore the oscillation frequency, such that ultrashort pulses come into reach.