Strong and weak coupling in ZnSe-based monolithic microcavities with lateral confinement

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Detlef Hommel; Dr. Kathrin Sebald
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2008 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 63321440

The objective of this project is the utilization of light-matter-coupling in ZnSe-based monolithic microcavities. In this context, we will focus on three aspects. The emission of quantum dots implemented into microcavities will be investigated in the weak-coupling regime in coupled pillar microcavities. The special optical field distribution of their resonator modes will be used to realize an optical switching between the emitters. There exists a variety of technological applications for blue emitting Vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). Hence, we will work on the realization of optically and electrically driven photon sources based on microcavities with ZnSe quantum wells as optically active material in the cavity. In order to achieve low threshold lasers we want to exploit the strong light-matter interaction in microcavities with a few quantum wells implemented. For this we will focus on structures with a lateral polariton confinement and analyze the influence on their optical properties. This lateral confinement will be realized in photonic wires and by utilization of gold grids on the sample surface. The stated topics are question of actual interest and will yield information on polariton propagation and coherence. Furthermore, the interaction between surface plasmons and polaritons will be investigated. The lateral confinement of the polaritons is expected to have a positive influence on the polariton relaxation and hence on the threshold for stimulated emission. In addition, a new concept for the generation of polaritons will be realized. We will investigate the potential coupling between Bragg modes and the exciton emission in ZnSe quantum wells to form Bragg polaritons.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants