Modelling exciton-phonon interactions in optically driven quantum dots

TL;DR

This paper reviews master equation methods for modeling phonon effects in optically driven quantum dots, highlighting how exciton-phonon interactions cause dissipation and dephasing, and discussing their impact on optical emission properties.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of theoretical approaches, including weak-coupling and polaron transformation techniques, for understanding phonon interactions in quantum dot systems.

Findings

Different master equation techniques capture phonon effects under various coupling regimes.

Phonons significantly influence quantum dot emission characteristics.

Standard quantum optics models need modification to include solid-state environment effects.

Abstract

We provide a self-contained review of master equation approaches to modelling phonon effects in optically driven self-assembled quantum dots. Coupling of the (quasi) two-level excitonic system to phonons leads to dissipation and dephasing, the rates of which depend on the excitation conditions, intrinsic properties of the QD sample, and its temperature. We describe several techniques, which include weak-coupling master equations that are perturbative in the exciton-phonon coupling, as well as those based on the polaron transformation that can remain valid for strong phonon interactions. We additionally consider the role of phonons in altering the optical emission characteristics of quantum dot devices, outlining how we must modify standard quantum optics treatments to account for the presence of the solid-state environment.