Professor Robert Taylor

Abstract:

Time-resolved and time-integrated microphotoluminescence spectrometry of exciton and biexciton transitions in a single self-assembled InGaN quantum dot gives sharp peaks, with the biexciton 41 meV higher in energy. Theoretical modelling in the Hartree approximation (using a self-consistent finite difference method) predicts a splitting of up to 51 meV. Time-resolved microphotoluminescence measurements yield a radiative recombination lifetime of 1.0 ± 0.1 ns for the exciton and 1.4 ± 0.1 ns for the biexciton. The data can be fitted to a coupled DE rate equation model, confirming that the exciton state is refilled as biexcitons undergo radiative decay. © 2005 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Abstract:

The dynamics of carriers in GaN epilayers is investigated by using femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy. After the residual chirp on the continuum probe is removed, the normalized difference spectra (NDS) for different probe energies are synchronized, recovering the full time resolution of our laser pulse. Our Monte-Carlo simulation agrees well with the unchirped NDS spectrum, which shows the development of the carrier distribution at early times, where phonon satellites are seen, together with a strong non-thermal electron distribution in the region of the LO-phonon energy arising from the remarkably strong electron-LO phonon interaction. By employing a new technique which involves the integration of the normalized NDS multiplied by the corresponding energy, a measure of the mean energy of the carriers in non-thermal states is obtained. By comparing the time-dependent energy loss with the theoretical energy loss rate, we estimate the effective temperature of the phonon modes as well as the population of phonons.

Abstract:

Transient gain spectra were measured for an In 0.02Ga 0.98N / In 0.16Ga 0.84N multiple quantum well by using the variable-stripe-length method (VSLM) in combination with the ultrafast optical Kerrgate (OKG) technique. Gain dynamics were measured for a range of excitation lengths from short (50 μm) to long (350 μm) stripes with the sample under femtosecond photoexcitation. Analysis of the temporal behaviour of gain and chemical potential suggests that stimulated emission originates from a photoexcited electron-hole plasma at early times; at later times, localized states dominate as the electron-hole plasma becomes exhausted. Gain reduction at early times is attributable to coupling of the electron-hole plasma with photons along the stripe, whilst localized states are less susceptible to gain saturation.

Abstract:

The dynamics of carriers in GaN epilayers is investigated by using femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy. After the residual chirp on the continuum probe is removed, the normalized difference spectra (NDS) for different probe energies are synchronized, recovering the full time resolution of our laser pulse. Our Monte-Carlo simulation agrees well with the unchirped NDS spectrum, which shows the development of the carrier distribution at early times, where phonon satellites are seen, together with a strong non-thermal electron distribution in the region of the LO-phonon energy arising from the remark-ably strong electron-LO phonon interaction. By employing a new technique which involves the integration of the normalized NDS multiplied by the corresponding energy, a measure of the mean energy of the carriers in non-thermal states is obtained. By comparing the time-dependent energy loss with the theoretical energy loss rate, we estimate the effective temperature of the phonon modes as well as the population of phonons.

Abstract:

Transient gain spectra were measured for an In0.02Ga0.98N / In0.16Ga0.84N multiple quantum well by using the variable-stripe-length method (VSLM) in combination with the ultrafast optical Kerr-gate (OKG) technique. Gain dynamics were measured for a range of excitation lengths from short (50 mu m) to long (350 mu m) stripes with the sample under femtosecond photoexcitation. Analysis of the temporal behaviour of gain and chemical potential suggests that stimulated emission originates from a photoexcited electron-hole plasma at early times; at later times, localized states dominate as the electron-hole plasma becomes exhausted. Gain reduction at early times is attributable to coupling of the electron-hole plasma with photons along the stripe, whilst localized states are less susceptible to gain saturation.