Exciton-phonon-photon dynamics and coherent coupling of quantum dots embedded in photonic cavities

This project aims to study theoretically the coherent dynamics of optical excitations (excitons) in single and multiple semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) strongly coupled to photonic cavities. In particular, coherent coupling and control of remote QDs via optical resonators in optical circuits will be investigated. Such QDs play the role of isolated qubits, and their controlled coupling is of paramount importance for quantum technology applications.
Specific aims of the project include the calculation of:
(i) Linear and nonlinear optical response of single and multiple QDs embedded in an optical resonator. You will consider both the coherent response (such as linear, four-wave- and six-wave-mixing polarization) and the incoherent response (such as photoluminescence).
(ii) Coherent coupling of remote QDs interacting with the same cavity or different cavities, and control of this coupling between QDs via cavity parameters.
(iii) Full coherent dynamics of the coupled exciton-phonon-photon system, using methods of many-body theory, such as diagram techniques, and clarifying the role of acoustic phonons in the coherent coupling of QDs and in the Purcell enhancement of their radiative decay inside an optical cavity.
The project is embedded in a bigger EPSRC funded research activity at Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy and will benefit from a close collaboration with an experimental research team working on the controlled long-range coherent coupling of quantum dots via cavities. Comparing theory with measured optical data, fundamental mechanisms of the coherent coupling will be understood and important parameters of the measured systems will be extracted for predictive modelling of QD systems embedded in complex quantum circuits. The scientific excellence is confirmed by recent research publications in Nature group journals.