Coherent control of lattice deformations in quantum wires by optical self-trapping

TL;DR

This paper theoretically demonstrates how intense off-resonant laser light can reversibly induce and control local lattice deformations in semiconductor quantum wires through strong exciton-phonon coupling, enabling optical manipulation of lattice structures.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical model showing controllable lattice deformations in quantum wires via optical self-trapping under off-resonant laser excitation.

Findings

Symmetry-breaking lattice deformations occur under strong exciton-phonon coupling.

Deformations are reversible and controllable by laser intensity and frequency.

Calculated strain forces demonstrate optical control over lattice structures.

Abstract

We investigate theoretically a semiconductor quantum wire under the effect of an intense off-resonant cw laser. We show that in the regime of strong exciton-phonon coupling the light-dressed ground state of the wire reveals symmetry-breaking features, leading to local lattice deformations. Due to the off-resonant nature of the excitation, the deformations are reversible and controllable by the intensity and frequency of the laser. We calculate the light-induced strain forces on the lattice in the case of an organic quantum wire.