Theory and Modelling of Light-Matter Interactions in Photonic Crystal Cavity Systems Coupled to Quantum Dot Ensembles
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Authors
Cartar, Will
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
nanophotonics , photonic crystal cavities , FDTD plugin tool , Semiconductor lasers , quantum dot lasers
Alternative Title
Abstract
Photonic crystal microcavity quantum dot lasers show promise as high quality-factor, low
threshold lasers, that can be integrated on-chip, with tunable room temperature opera-
tions. However, such semiconductor microcavity lasers are notoriously difficult to model
in a self-consistent way and are primarily modelled by simplified rate equation approxima-
tions, typically fit to experimental data, which limits investigations of their optimization
and fundamental light-matter interaction processes. Moreover, simple cavity mode optical
theory and rate equations have recently been shown to fail in explaining lasing threshold
trends in triangular lattice photonic crystal cavities as a function of cavity size, and the
potential impact of fabrication disorder is not well understood. In this thesis, we develop
a simple but powerful numerical scheme for modelling the quantum dot active layer used
for lasing in these photonic crystal cavity structures, as an ensemble of randomly posi-
tioned artificial two-level atoms. Each two-level atom is defined by optical Bloch equations
solved by a quantum master equation that includes phenomenological pure dephasing and
an incoherent pump rate that effectively models a multi-level gain system. Light-matter in-
teractions of both passive and lasing structures are analyzed using simulation defined tools
and post-simulation Green function techniques. We implement an active layer ensemble
of up to 24,000 statistically unique quantum dots in photonic crystal cavity simulations,
using a self-consistent finite-difference time-domain method. This method has the distinct
advantage of capturing effects such as dipole-dipole coupling and radiative decay, without
the need for any phenomenological terms, since the time-domain solution self-consistently
captures these effects. Our analysis demonstrates a powerful ability to connect with recent
experimental trends, while remaining completely general in its set-up; for example, we do
not invoke common approximations such as the rotating-wave or slowly-varying envelope
approximations, and solve dynamics with zero a priori knowledge.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.