We observe coherent long-distance propagation of an optical pulse in resonance with the free exciton at high light intensities in an optically thick semiconductor. The experiments show pulse reshaping, pulse breakup, and a high degree of transmission. Microscopic calculations using the semiconductor Maxwell-Bloch equations yield good agreement with the experimental data.

Physical Review LettersNov 9, 1998107 citations

High-intensity pulse propagation in semiconductors: on-resonant self-induced transmission and effects in the continuum

Harald W. Giessen, Stefan Lindén, Juergen Kuhl +5 more

We perform high-intensity pulse propagation experiments in semiconductors. On a free exciton resonance, we demonstrate coherent Self-Induced Transmission. Tuning the laser towards higher energy, thus exciting continuum states, the degree of transmission is reduced. The pulse breakup vanishes. Increasing the pulse intensity by several orders of magnitude, pulse breakup can be observed again.

Optics ExpressJan 18, 19996 citations