Interaction between Metamaterial Resonators and Inter-subband transitions in Semiconductor Quantum Wells

TL;DR

This paper investigates how planar metamaterials can couple with inter-subband transitions in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells, enabling strong interaction in the mid-infrared through polarization conversion.

Contribution

It demonstrates the coupling mechanism between metamaterial resonances and quantum well inter-subband transitions, highlighting a novel interaction in the mid-infrared range.

Findings

Strong coupling observed between metamaterial resonances and inter-subband transitions.

Polarization conversion enables interaction with normally inaccessible transitions.

Potential for tunable mid-infrared optoelectronic devices.

Abstract

We report on the coupling and interaction between the fundamental resonances of planar metamaterials (split ring resonators) and inter-subband transitions in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells structures in the mid-infrared. An incident field polarized parallel to the sample surface is converted by the metamaterial resonators into a field with a finite component polarized normal to the surface, and interacts strongly with the large dipole moment associated with quantum well inter-subband transitions.