Optically self-induced transparency of exciton excitation in a single semiconductor quantum dot

The observation of quantum mechanical interference in the exciton photoluminescence excitation (PLE) process in a semiconductor quantum dot is reported. A simple PLE spectroscopy revealed in a single InGaAs quantum dot a dynamic and continuous evolution of a resonance profile from a peak into a dip and to near transparency caused by an increase of excitation power density of only a few 100 W/cm². A one-photon process via exciton states and a two-photon process via biexciton states, both of which return to the radiative exciton state, interfere quantum mechanically, resulting in a progressive decrease in exciton absorption under increasing excitation.