Extended definition of semiconductor quantum optics

General background
A wide variety of quantum-optical effects can be understood by analyzing atomic model systems interacting with the quantized light field. Often, one can fully calculate and even measure the quantum-mechanical wave function and its dependence on both the atomic and the light degrees of freedom. By elaborating on and extending this approach, researchers perpetually generate intriguing results and new insights allowing for the exploration and utilization of effects encountered only in the realm of quantum phenomena.
By now, quantum-optical investigations have evolved from atoms all the way to complex systems, such as solids, in particular semiconductors. As a profound conceptual challenge, the optical transitions in semiconductors typically involve an extremely large number of electronic states. Due to their electric charge, the optically active electrons experience strong Coulomb interaction effects. Furthermore, they are coupled to the lattice vibrations of the solid crystal. For such an interacting many-body system, the overwhelmingly large number of degrees of freedom makes it inconceivable to measure the full wave function; we obviously need new strategies to approach semiconductor quantum optics. The combination of quantum-optical and many-body interactions not only leads to prominent modifications of the effects known from atomic systems but also causes new phenomena without atomic counterparts.

Scope of our book
In this book, we develop a detailed microscopic theory for the analysis of semiconductor quantum optics. As central themes, we discuss how the quantum-optical approach can be systematically formulated for solids, which new aspects and prospects arise, and which conceptual modifications have to be implemented. The presented material is largely based on our own research and teaching endeavors on various topics in quantum mechanics, many-body theory, solid-state physics, optics, laser theory, quantum-optics, and semiconductor quantum optics. Our experience shows that one needs a systematic combination of optical and many-body theory to truly understand and predict quantum-optical effects in semiconductors. Therefore, we have implemented a multifaceted approach where we first discuss the basic quantum-theoretical techniques and concepts. We then present the central steps to quantize the light field and the many-body system. Altogether, we develop a systematic theory for semiconductor quantum optics and present its main consequences.

One of our major goals is to provide a bridge between “traditional” quantum optics and many-body theory. We naturally cannot present the final conclusion on this topic because the combination of quantum optics and many-body quantum dynamics actually poses one of the most difficult problems in contemporary physics, which does not allow for general exact results. Therefore, the material in this book is designed such that it can be applied to generate new systematic approximations to the full many-body/quantum-optics. We believe that this work will contribute to an expansion of the general knowledge base needed to diversify our understanding of quantum mechanics in complex many-body systems.

This book introduces all the central concepts and develops the main steps of the theory needed for a precise formulation and analysis of many relevant phenomena. We thoroughly discuss the emerging effects as we cross the boundary from the classical to the quantum-optical features of semiconductor systems. As the principal objective, this material is intended to develop a working knowledge up to a level where one can start doing research on semiconductor quantum optics. Therefore, we present only a brief research outlook beyond the basic investigations in the last chapter of this book. This part is supposed to deepen and inspire future interests toward quantum optics in many-body systems.

Reading suggestions
We have designed our book in such a way that it can be used for self-study as well as classroom teaching for advanced undergraduate or regular postgraduate courses with a different emphasis on the topics. To follow many details of the theory development and to deepen the basic understanding, we recommend reflecting upon the presented material through the exercises given at the end of each chapter. Chapters 1-6 can serve as supplementary material in teaching quantum mechanics, especially, for keen beginners or to provide a complementary view besides the standard books. Chapters 7-10 are well suited for introducing light quantization and quantum field theory while chapters 11-15 present the elements of solid-state and many-body theory. Especially, the cluster-expansion method (chapter 15) provides a common starting point to bridge the “traditional” and the semiconductor quantum optics.

After these foundations have been carefully laid, one can design a pure quantum-optics course based on chapters 16-24. Here, we have paid special attention to study atomic phenomena with the goal to provide a connection to semiconductor quantum optics. The remaining chapters, 25-30, present the material for lectures discussing the essence of semiconductor quantum optics. Naturally, we recommend combining the material from all the chapters for the full learning experience.


		Home About Book Defining field Short Extended Blurb List of contents Book in numbers About us Authors M. Kira S.W. Koch Publisher Research home page More material Figures in color Chapters 1-5 Chapters 6-10 Chapters 11-15 Chapters 16-20 Chapters 21-25 Chapters 26-30 Exercise hints Chapters 1-5 Chapters 6-10 Chapters 11-15 Chapters 16-20 Chapters 21-25 Chapters 26-30 Commentary Chapters Next book project Acknowledgments Order book
		Extended definition of semiconductor quantum optics General background A wide variety of quantum-optical effects can be understood by analyzing atomic model systems interacting with the quantized light field. Often, one can fully calculate and even measure the quantum-mechanical wave function and its dependence on both the atomic and the light degrees of freedom. By elaborating on and extending this approach, researchers perpetually generate intriguing results and new insights allowing for the exploration and utilization of effects encountered only in the realm of quantum phenomena. By now, quantum-optical investigations have evolved from atoms all the way to complex systems, such as solids, in particular semiconductors. As a profound conceptual challenge, the optical transitions in semiconductors typically involve an extremely large number of electronic states. Due to their electric charge, the optically active electrons experience strong Coulomb interaction effects. Furthermore, they are coupled to the lattice vibrations of the solid crystal. For such an interacting many-body system, the overwhelmingly large number of degrees of freedom makes it inconceivable to measure the full wave function; we obviously need new strategies to approach semiconductor quantum optics. The combination of quantum-optical and many-body interactions not only leads to prominent modifications of the effects known from atomic systems but also causes new phenomena without atomic counterparts. Scope of our book In this book, we develop a detailed microscopic theory for the analysis of semiconductor quantum optics. As central themes, we discuss how the quantum-optical approach can be systematically formulated for solids, which new aspects and prospects arise, and which conceptual modifications have to be implemented. The presented material is largely based on our own research and teaching endeavors on various topics in quantum mechanics, many-body theory, solid-state physics, optics, laser theory, quantum-optics, and semiconductor quantum optics. Our experience shows that one needs a systematic combination of optical and many-body theory to truly understand and predict quantum-optical effects in semiconductors. Therefore, we have implemented a multifaceted approach where we first discuss the basic quantum-theoretical techniques and concepts. We then present the central steps to quantize the light field and the many-body system. Altogether, we develop a systematic theory for semiconductor quantum optics and present its main consequences. One of our major goals is to provide a bridge between “traditional” quantum optics and many-body theory. We naturally cannot present the final conclusion on this topic because the combination of quantum optics and many-body quantum dynamics actually poses one of the most difficult problems in contemporary physics, which does not allow for general exact results. Therefore, the material in this book is designed such that it can be applied to generate new systematic approximations to the full many-body/quantum-optics. We believe that this work will contribute to an expansion of the general knowledge base needed to diversify our understanding of quantum mechanics in complex many-body systems. This book introduces all the central concepts and develops the main steps of the theory needed for a precise formulation and analysis of many relevant phenomena. We thoroughly discuss the emerging effects as we cross the boundary from the classical to the quantum-optical features of semiconductor systems. As the principal objective, this material is intended to develop a working knowledge up to a level where one can start doing research on semiconductor quantum optics. Therefore, we present only a brief research outlook beyond the basic investigations in the last chapter of this book. This part is supposed to deepen and inspire future interests toward quantum optics in many-body systems. Reading suggestions We have designed our book in such a way that it can be used for self-study as well as classroom teaching for advanced undergraduate or regular postgraduate courses with a different emphasis on the topics. To follow many details of the theory development and to deepen the basic understanding, we recommend reflecting upon the presented material through the exercises given at the end of each chapter. Chapters 1-6 can serve as supplementary material in teaching quantum mechanics, especially, for keen beginners or to provide a complementary view besides the standard books. Chapters 7-10 are well suited for introducing light quantization and quantum field theory while chapters 11-15 present the elements of solid-state and many-body theory. Especially, the cluster-expansion method (chapter 15) provides a common starting point to bridge the “traditional” and the semiconductor quantum optics. After these foundations have been carefully laid, one can design a pure quantum-optics course based on chapters 16-24. Here, we have paid special attention to study atomic phenomena with the goal to provide a connection to semiconductor quantum optics. The remaining chapters, 25-30, present the material for lectures discussing the essence of semiconductor quantum optics. Naturally, we recommend combining the material from all the chapters for the full learning experience.

		© 2011 Mackillo Kira and Stephan W. Koch - Imprint