arXiv subjects

Stephen Hughes

Publications and source records attributed to Stephen Hughes.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

Quasinormal mode theory and modelling of electron energy loss spectroscopy for plasmonic nanostructures

Understanding light-matter interactions using localized surface plasmons (LSPs) is of fundamental interest in classical and quantum plasmonics and has a wide range of applications. In order to understand the spatial properties of LSPs, electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) is a common and powerful method of spatially resolving the extreme localized fields that can be obtained with metal resonators. However, modelling EELS for general shaped resonators presents a major challenge in computational electrodynamics, requiring the full photon Green function as a function of two space points and frequency. Here we present an intuitive and computationally simple method for computing EELS maps of plasmonic resonators using a quasinormal mode (QNM) expansion technique. By separating the contribution of the QNM and the bulk material, we give closed-form analytical formulas for the plasmonic QNM contribution to the EELS maps. We exemplify our technique for a split ring resonator, a gold nanorod, and a nanorod dimer structure. The method is accurate, intuitive, and gives orders of magnitude improvements over direct dipole simulations that numerically solve the full 3D Maxwell equations. We also show how the same QNM Green function can be used to obtain the Purcell factor (and projected local density of optical states) from quantum dipole emitters or two level atoms, and we demonstrate how the spectral features differ in general to the EELS spectrum.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Resonance fluorescence spectra from semiconductor quantum dots coupled to slow-light photonic crystal waveguides

Using a polaron master equation approach we investigate the resonance fluorescence spectra from coherently driven quantum dots (QDs) coupled to an acoustic phonon bath and a photonic crystal waveguide with a rich local density of photon states (LDOS). Resonance fluorescence spectra from QDs in semiconductor crystals are known to show strong signatures of electron-phonon interactions, but when coupled to a structured photonic reservoir, the QD emission properties are also determined by the frequency dependence of the LDOS of the photon reservoir. Here, we investigate the simultaneous role of coupled photon and phonon baths on the characteristic Mollow triplet spectra from a strongly driven QD. As an example structured photonic reservoir, we first study a photonic crystal coupled cavity waveguide, and find that photons and phonons have counter-interacting effects near the upper mode-edge of the coupled-cavity waveguide, thus establishing the importance of their separate roles in determining the emission spectra. The general theory is developed for arbitrary photonic reservoirs and is further applied to determine resonance the fluorescence spectra from a realistic, disordered W1 photonic crystal waveguide showing important photon-phonon interaction effects that are directly relevant to emerging experiments and theoretical proposals.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Polaron master equation theory of pulse driven phonon-assisted population inversion and single photon emission from quantum dot excitons

We introduce an intuitive and semi-analytical polaron master equation approach to model pulse-driven population inversion and emitted single photons from a quantum dot exciton. The master equation theory allows one to identify important phonon-induced scattering rates analytically, and fully includes the role of the time-dependent pump field. As an application of the theory, we first study a quantum dot driven by a time-varying laser pulse on and off resonance, showing the population inversion caused by acoustic phonon emission in direct agreement with recent experiment of Quilter {\em et al.}, Phys Rev Lett {\bf 114}, 137401 (2015). We then model quantum dots in weakly coupled cavities and show the difference in population response between exciton-driven and cavity-driven systems. Finally, we assess the nonresonant phonon-assisted loading scheme with a quantum dot resonantly coupled to a cavity as a deterministic single photon source, and compare and contrast the important figures of merit with direct Rabi oscillation of the population using a resonant $π$ pulse, where the latter is shown to be much more efficient.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Normalization of quasinormal modes in leaky optical cavities and plasmonic resonators

We discuss three formally different formulas for normalization of quasinormal modes currently in use for modeling optical cavities and plasmonic resonators and show that they are complementary and provide the same result. Regardless of the formula used for normalization, one can use the norm to define an effective mode volume for use in Purcell factor calculations.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2015

Quantum dynamics of two quantum dots coupled through localized plasmons: An intuitive and accurate quantum optics approach using quasinormal modes

We study the quantum dynamics of two quantum dots (QDs) or artificial atoms coupled through the fundamental localized plasmon of a gold nanorod resonator. We derive an intuitive and efficient time-local master equation, in which the effect of the metal nanorod is taken into consideration self-consistently using a quasinormal mode (QNM) expansion technique of the photon Green function. Our efficient QNM technique offers an alternative and more powerful approach over the standard Jaynes-Cummings model, where the radiative decay, nonradiative decay, and spectral reshaping effect of the electromagnetic environment is rigorously included in a clear and transparent way. We also show how one can use our approach to compliment the approximate Jaynes-Cummings model in certain spatial regimes where it is deemed to be valid. We then present a study of the quantum dynamics and photoluminescence spectra of the two plasmon-coupled QDs. We first explore the non-Markovian regime, which is found to be important only on the ultrashort time scale of the plasmon mode which is about 40$\,$fs. For the field free evolution case of excited QDs near the nanorod, we demonstrate how spatially separated QDs can be effectively coupled through the plasmon resonance and we show how frequencies away from the plasmon resonance can be more effective for coherently coupling the QDs. Despite the strong inherent dissipation of gold nanoresonators, we show that qubit entanglements as large as 0.7 can be achieved from an initially separate state, which has been limited to less than 0.5 in previous work for weakly coupled reservoirs. We also study the superradiance and subradiance decay dynamics of the QD pair. Finally, we investigate the rich quantum dynamics of QDs that are incoherently pumped, ...

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Parallax in the park

This article describes a parallax experiment performed by undergraduate physics students at Queensland University of Technology. The experiment is analogous to the parallax method used in astronomy to measure distances to the local stars. The result of one of these experiments is presented in this paper. A target was photographed using a digital camera at five distances between 3 and 8 metres from two vantage points spaced 0.6 m apart. The parallax distances were compared with the actual distance measured using a tape measure and the average error was 0.5 +/- 0.9%.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2015

Cavity-enhanced simultaneous dressing of quantum dot exciton and biexciton states

We demonstrate the simultaneous dressing of both vacuum-to-exciton and exciton-to-biexciton transitions of a single semiconductor quantum dot in a high-Q micropillar cavity, using photoluminescence spectroscopy. Resonant two-photon excitation of the biexciton is achieved by spectrally tuning the quantum dot emission with respect to the cavity mode. The cavity couples to both transitions and amplifies the Rabi-frequency of the likewise resonant cw laser, driving the transitions. We observe strong-field splitting of the emission lines, which depend on the driving Rabi field amplitude and the cavity-laser detuning. A dressed state theory of a driven 4-level atom correctly predicts the distinct spectral transitions observed in the emission spectrum, and a detailed description of the emission spectra is further provided through a polaron master equation approach which accounts for cavity coupling and acoustic phonon interactions of the semiconductor medium.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Polariton waveguides from a quantum dot chain in a nanowire photonic crystal: an architecture for quantum information science and waveguide QED

We introduce a polariton-waveguide structure, comprised of a nanowire-based photonic crystal waveguide with a quantum dot embedded in each unit cell. Using realistic designs and parameters, we derive and calculate the fundamental electromagnetic properties of these polariton waveguides, with an emphasis on the photon Green function and local optical density of states (LDOS). Both infinite and finite-size waveguides are considered, where the latter's properties are calculated using a Dyson equation approach without any approximations. We demonstrate dramatic increases, and rich fundamental control, of the LDOS due to strong light-matter interactions in each unit cell through periodic quantum dot interactions. Consequently, these structures allow the exploration of new regimes of waveguide quantum electrodynamics. As an example application, we consider the coupling of an external target quantum dot with a finite-sized polariton waveguide, and show that the single quantum dot strong coupling regime is easily accessible, even for modest dipole strengths.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Characterization of transiting exoplanets by way of differential photometry

This paper describes a simple activity for plotting and characterizing the light curve from an exoplanet transit event by way of differential photometry analysis. Using free digital imaging software, participants analyse a series of telescope images with the goal of calculating various exoplanet parameters, including its size, orbital radius and habitability. The activity has been designed for a high school or undergraduate university level and introduces fundamental concepts in astrophysics and an understanding of the basis for exoplanetary science, the transit method and digital photometry.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2015

Polarization engineering in photonic crystal waveguides for spin-photon entanglers

By performing a full analysis of the projected local density of states (LDOS) in a photonic crystal waveguide, we show that phase plays a crucial role in the symmetry of the light-matter interaction. By considering a quantum dot (QD) spin coupled to a photonic crystal waveguide (PCW) mode, we demonstrate that the light-matter interaction can be asymmetric, leading to unidirectional emission and a deterministic entangled photon source. Further we show that understanding the phase associated with both the LDOS and the QD spin is essential for a range of devices that that can be realised with a QD in a PCW. We also show how quantum entanglement can completely reverse photon propagation direction, and highlight a fundamental breakdown of the semiclassical dipole approximation for describing light-matter interactions in these spin dependent systems.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Spontaneous emission from a quantum dot in a structured photonic reservoir: phonon-mediated breakdown of Fermi's golden rule

We describe how a structured photonic medium controls the spontaneous emission rate from an excited quantum dot in the presence of electron-phonon coupling. We analyze this problem using a polaron transformed master equation and we consider specific examples of a photonic crystal cavity and a coupled cavity waveguide. We find that when the relaxation times of the photon and phonon baths are comparable, phonons influence spontaneous emission in a non-trivial way. We demonstrate why and how the broadband frequency dependence of the local photon density of states determines the photon emission rate, manifesting in a complete breakdown of Fermi's golden rule. For a single cavity resonance, we generalize Purcell's formula to include the effects of electron-phonon coupling. For a waveguide, we show a suppression and a 200-fold enhancement of the photon emission rate.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Entanglement dynamics and Mollow nonuplets between two coupled quantum dots in a nanowire photonic crystal system

We introduce a nanowire-based photonic crystal waveguide system capable of controllably mediating the photon coupling between two quantum dots which are macroscopically separated. Using a rigorous Green-function-based master equation approach, our two-dot system is shown to provide a wide range of interesting quantum regimes. In particular, we demonstrate the formation of long-lived entangled states and study the resonance fluorescence spectrum which contains clear signatures of the coupled quantum dot pair. Depending upon the operating frequency, one can obtain a modified Mollow triplet spectrum or a Mollow nonuplet, namely a spectrum with nine spectral peaks. These multiple peaks are explained in the context of photon-exchange-mediated dressed states. Results are robust with respect to scattering loss, and spatial filtering via propagation allows for each quantum dot's emission to be observed individually.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Theory and experiments of disorder-induced resonance shifts and mode edge broadening in deliberately disordered photonic crystal waveguides

We study both theoretically and experimentally the effects of introducing deliberate disorder in a slow-light photonic crystal waveguide on the photon density of states. We first introduce a theoretical model that includes both deliberate disorder through statistically moving the hole centres in the photonic crystal lattice and intrinsic disorder caused by manufacturing imperfections. We demonstrate a disorder-induced mean blueshift and an overall broadening of the photonic density of states for various amounts of deliberate disorder. By comparing with measurements from a GaAs photonic crystal waveguide, we find good qualitative agreement between theory and experiment which highlights the importance of carefully including local field effects for modelling high-index contrast perturbations. Our work also demonstrates the importance of using asymmetric dielectric polarizabilities for modelling positive and negative dielectric perturbations when modelling a perturbed dielectric interface in photonic crystal platforms.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2015

Transient and steady-state entanglement mediated by three-dimensional plasmonic waveguides

Entanglement between two qubits (two level atoms) mediated by surface plasmons in three-dimensional plasmonic waveguides is studied using a quantum master equation formalism. Two types of waveguides, a nanowire and a V-shaped channel cut in a flat metal plane, are considered. The Green functions for the waveguides, which rigorously describes the dissipative qubit environment, are calculated numerically using a direct finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) solution of Maxwell's equations. Finite-length effects are shown to play a crucial role in enhancing entanglement, and resonant-length plasmonic waveguides can provide higher entanglement between qubits than infinite-length waveguides. It is also shown that coupling slots can improve entanglement via stronger qubit-waveguide coupling, for both the infinite- and finite-waveguide cases.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Quantum theory of light emission from quantum dots coupled to structured photonic reservoirs and acoustic phonons

Electron-phonon coupling in semiconductor quantum dots plays a significant role in determining the optical properties of excited excitons, especially the spectral nature of emitted photons. This paper presents a comprehensive theory and analysis of emission spectra from artificial atoms or quantum dots coupled to structured photon reservoirs and acoustic phonons, when excited with incoherent pump fields. As specific examples of structured reservoirs, we chose a Lorentzian cavity and a coupled cavity waveguide, which are of current experimental interest. For the case of optical cavities, we directly compare and contrast the spectra from three distinct theoretical approaches to treat electron-phonon coupling, including a Markovian polaron master equation, a non-Markovian phonon correlation expansion technique and a semiclassical linear susceptibility approach, and we point out the limitations of these models. For the cavity-QED polaron master equation, we give closed form analytical solutions to the phonon-assisted scattering rates in the weak excitation approximation, fully accounting for temperature, cavity-exciton detuning and cavity dot coupling. We show explicitly why the semiclassical linear susceptibility approach fails to correctly account for phonon-mediated cavity feeding. For weakly coupled cavities, we calculate the optical spectra using a more general reservoir approach and explain its differences from the above approaches in the low Q limit of a Lorentzian cavity. We subsequently use this general reservoir to calculate the emission spectra from quantum dots coupled to slow-light photonic crystal waveguides, which demonstrate a number of striking photon-phonon coupling effects. Our quantum theory can be applied to a wide range of photonic structures including photonic molecules and coupled-cavity waveguide systems.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Theory of phonon-modified quantum dot photoluminescence intensity in structured photonic reservoirs

The spontaneous emission rate of a quantum dot coupled to a structured photonic reservoir is determined by the frequency dependence of its local density of photon states. Through phonon-dressing, a breakdown of Fermi's golden rule can occur for certain photonic structures whose photon decay time become comparable to the longitudinal acoustic phonon decay times. We present a polaron master equation model to calculate the photoluminescence intensity from a coherently excited quantum dot coupled to a structured photonic reservoir. We consider examples of a semiconductor microcavity and a coupled cavity waveguide and show clear photoluminescence intensity spectral features that contain unique signatures of the interplay between phonon and photon bath coupling.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2014

Theory and design of quantum light sources from quantum dots embedded in semiconductor-nanowire photonic crystal systems

We introduce a new platform for realizing on-chip quantum electrodynamics using photonic crystal waveguide structures comprised of periodic nanowire arrays with embedded semiconductor quantum dots to act as quantum light sources. These nanowire-based structures, which can now be fabricated with excellent precision, are found to produce waveguide Purcell factors exceeding 100 and on-chip beta factors up to 99%. We investigate the fundamental optical properties of photonic crystal waveguides and finite-size structures using both photonic band structure calculations and rigorous Green function computations which allows us to obtain the modal properties and the local density of photon states. A comparison with slab-based photonic crystals is also made and we a highlight key advantages in the nanowire system, including the potential to minimize extrinsic scattering losses and produce high theoretical Purcell factors and beta-factors on-chip. We also demonstrate that these structures exhibit rich photonic Lamb shifts over broadband frequencies.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2014

Graphene as a tunable THz reservoir for shaping the Mollow triplet of an artificial atom via plasmonic effects

Using a realistic quantum master equation we show that the resonance fluorescence spectra of a two-level artificial atom (quantum dot) can be tuned by adjusting its photonic local density of states via biasing of one or more graphene monolayers. The structured photon reservoir is included using a photon Green function theory which fully accounts for the loss and dispersion. The field-driven Mollow triplet spectrum can be actively controlled by the graphene bias in the THz frequency regime. We also consider the effect of a dielectric support environment, and multiple graphene layers, on the emitted fluorescence. Finally, thermal bath effects are considered and shown to be important for low THz frequencies.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗