Quantum-dot-based optical polarization conversion

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates polarization conversion in semiconductor quantum dots using quantum interference effects, achieved under continuous wave excitation without magnetic fields, highlighting the role of dot anisotropy.

Contribution

It introduces a novel polarization conversion mechanism in quantum dots based on quantum interference and anisotropic shape effects, without external magnetic fields.

Findings

Circular-to-linear and linear-to-circular polarization conversion demonstrated

Conversion occurs under continuous wave excitation without magnetic fields

Effect explained via pseudospin formalism

Abstract

We report circular-to-linear and linear-to-circular conversion of optical polarization by semiconductor quantum dots. The polarization conversion occurs under continuous wave excitation in absence of any magnetic field. The effect originates from quantum interference of linearly and circularly polarized photon states, induced by the natural anisotropic shape of the self assembled dots. The behavior can be qualitatively explained in terms of a pseudospin formalism.