Adalberto Brunetti

Electron-nuclei spin dynamics in II-VI semiconductor quantum dots

We report on the dynamics of optically induced nuclear spin polarization in individual CdTe/ZnTe quantum dots loaded with one electron by modulation doping. The fine structure of the hot trion (charged exciton X− with an electron in the P shell) is identified in photoluminescence excitation spectra. A negative polarization rate of the photoluminescence, optical pumping of the resident electron, and the built up of dynamic nuclear spin polarization (DNSP) are observed in time-resolved optical pumping experiments when the quantum dot is excited at higher energy than the hot trion triplet state. The time and magnetic field dependence of the polarization rate of the X− emission allows us to probe the dynamics of formation of the DNSP in the optical pumping regime. We demonstrate using time-resolved measurements that the creation of a DNSP at B=0 T efficiently prevents longitudinal spin relaxation of the electron caused by fluctuations of the nuclear spin bath. The DNSP is built in the microsecond range at high excitation intensity. A relaxation time of the DNSP in about 10 μm is observed at B=0 T and significantly increases under a magnetic field of a few milli-Tesla. We discuss mechanisms responsible for the fast initialization and relaxation of the diluted nuclear spins in this system.

Optical control of the spin of a magnetic atom in a semiconductor quantum dot

Abstract: The control of single spins in solids is a key but challenging step for any spin-based solid-state quantumcomputing device. Thanks to their expected long coherence time, localized spins on magnetic atoms in a semiconductor host could be an interesting media to store quantum information in the solid state. Optical probing and control of the spin of individual or pairs of Manganese (Mn) atoms (S = 5/2) have been obtained in II-VI and IIIV semiconductor quantum dots during the last years. In this paper, we review recently developed optical control experiments of the spin of an individual Mn atoms in II-VI semiconductor self-assembled or strain-free quantum dots (QDs).We first show that the fine structure of the Mn atom and especially a strained induced magnetic anisotropy is the main parameter controlling the spin memory of the magnetic atom at zero magnetic field. We then demonstrate that the energy of any spin state of a Mn atom or pairs of Mn atom can be independently tuned by using the optical Stark effect induced by a resonant laser field. The strong coupling with the resonant laser field modifies the Mn fine structure and consequently its dynamics.We then describe the spin dynamics of a Mn atom under this strong resonant optical excitation. In addition to standard optical pumping expected for a resonant excitation, we show that the Mn spin population can be trapped in the state which is resonantly excited. This effect is modeled considering the coherent spin dynamics of the coupled electronic and nuclear spin of the Mn atom optically dressed by a resonant laser field. Finally, we discuss the spin dynamics of a Mn atom in strain-free QDs and show that these structures should permit a fast optical coherent control of an individual Mn spin.

Exciton and polariton spin beats in a CdMnTe based microcavity

Exciton and polariton spin beats are observed in a CdMnTe quantum well embedded in a microcavity using time‐resolved Kerr rotation experiments under magnetic field. Photoinduced linear birefringence phenomenon allows to comprehend the polariton spin beats using linear polarized pumping in Faraday geometry. Exciton spin beats can be detected in the standard configuration with circularly polarized pump pulse and under in‐plane magnetic field.

Optically enhanced nuclear spin polarization in InP

Optically induced nuclear spin polarization is studied via time‐resolved magnetooptical Kerr effect in Voigt configuration in n‐doped InP. The hyperfine field acting on electrons is detected via a phase shift of the electron spin precession. The dependence of the hyperfine field on external field and the polarization time of the nuclei are discussed within a simple model neglecting nuclear spin diffusion.