Resonance fluorescence spectral dynamics of an acoustically modulated quantum dot

TL;DR

This study demonstrates control over phonon sidebands in a quantum dot via surface acoustic waves, enabling precise manipulation of quantum states for hybrid quantum technologies.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel hybrid interface between surface acoustic waves and quantum dots, with analytical models and experimental validation for controlling spectral dynamics.

Findings

Characteristic blinking dynamics of sidebands controlled by laser detuning

Achieved frequency range around 1 GHz for phonon sideband resolution

Enhanced understanding of internal exciton-phonon interactions

Abstract

Quantum technologies that rely on photonic qubits require a precise controllability of their properties. For this purpose hybrid approaches are particularly attractive because they offer a large flexibility to address different aspects of the photonic degrees of freedom. When combining photonics with other quantum platforms like phonons, quantum transducers have to be realized that convert between the mechanical and optical domain. Here, we realize this interface between phonons in the form of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) and single photons, mediated by a single semiconductor quantum dot exciton. In this combined theoretical and experimental study, we show that the different sidebands exhibit characteristic blinking dynamics that can be controlled by detuning the laser from the exciton transition. By developing analytical approximations we gain a better understanding of the involved internal dynamics. Our specific SAW approach allows us to reach the ideal frequency range of around 1 GHz that enables simultaneous temporal and spectral phonon sideband resolution close to the combined fundamental time-bandwidth limit.