Kerr non-linearity and four-wave mixing in a double-cascade type four-level system of multiple quantum wells

Abstract

We study the non-linear optical response in multiple quantum wells structure with a double-cascade type four-level configuration based on excitons and biexcitons transitions. By analysing the Kerr non-linear effects, we obtain the slow, mutually matched group velocities and giant Kerr non-linearity of probe and signal fields. While when the signal (or probe) field is removed, the non-linear optical phenomenon four-wave mixing (FWM) originating from quantum interference is demonstrated. The FWM efficiency of the system study is about 50%. Such a semiconductor system is much more practical than its atomic counterpart because of its flexible design and the controllable interference strength.

Keywords:

• Kerr non-linearity
• four-wave mixing
• multiple quantum wells

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 60877040) and National Basic Research programme of China (Grant. 2010CB923204).