Abstract
Ultrafast changes in the statistical properties of light emission are studied for quantum-dot micropillar lasers. Using pulsed excitation with varying power, we follow the time evolution of the second-order correlation function reflecting two-photon coincidences and compare it to that of the output intensity. The previously impossible time resolution of a few picoseconds gives insight into the dynamical transition between thermal and coherent light emission. The results allow us to isolate the spontaneous and stimulated-emission contributions within an emission pulse, not accessible via the emission-intensity dynamics. Results of a microscopic theory confirm the experimental findings.
- Received 18 March 2010
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.81.165314
©2010 American Physical Society