Theory of Electro-optic Modulation via a Quantum Dot Coupled to a Nano-resonator

TL;DR

This paper analyzes a quantum dot-nano-resonator system for electro-optic modulation, demonstrating high-speed operation with low energy consumption and examining the effects of quantum dephasing and non-linear distortion.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical analysis of a quantum dot-based electro-optic modulator with realistic parameters, highlighting its potential for high-speed, low-energy optical switching.

Findings

Modulation speeds of tens of GHz are achievable.

Energy per switching operation can be as low as 0.5 femtojoules.

Quantum dot dephasing impacts modulator performance.

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the performance of an electro-optic modulator based on a single quantum dot strongly coupled to a nano-resonator, where electrical control of the quantum dot frequency is achieved via quantum confined Stark effect. Using realistic system parameters, we show that modulation speeds of a few tens of GHz are achievable with this system, while the energy per switching operation can be as small as 0.5 fJ. In addition, we study the non-linear distortion, and the effect of pure quantum dot dephasing on the performance of the modulator.