Optical properties of Quantum Disks: Real density matrix approach

We show how to compute the optical response of a Quantum Disk (QDisk) to an electromagnetic wave as a function of the incident wave polarization, in the energetic region of interband transitions. Both the TM and TE polarization in guided-wave geometry are analyzed. The method uses the microscopic calculation of Quantum Disk eigenfunctions and the macroscopic real density matrix approach to compute the effective QDisk susceptibility, taking into account the valence band structure of the QDisk material and the Coulomb interaction between the electron and the hole. Analytical expressions for the QDisk susceptibility are obtained for a certain model electron — hole potential. Using these expressions, all optical functions can be computed. Results for the absorption coefficient are computed for InAs/GaAs QDisks. Fair agreement with experiments is obtained.