We present a comprehensive theoretical framework for the Andreev bound state population dynamics in superconducting weak links. Contrary to previous works, our approach takes into account the generated nonequilibrium distribution of the continuum qua
siparticle states in a self-consistent way. As application of our theory, we show that the coupling of the superconducting contact to environmental phase fluctuations induces a charge imbalance of the continuum quasiparticle population. This imbalance is due to the breaking of the left-right symmetry in the rates connecting continuum quasiparticles and the Andreev bound state system, and causes a quasiparticle current on top of the Josephson current in a ring geometry. We evaluate the phase dependence of the quasiparticle current for realistic choices of the model parameters. Our theory also allows one to analyze the quantum coherent evolution of the system from an arbitrary initial state.
We study the combined effects of spin-orbit interaction, magnetic field, and Coulomb charging on the Josephson current-phase relation, I(varphi), for a multi-level quantum dot tunnel-contacted by two conventional s-wave superconductors with phase dif
ference varphi. A general model is formulated and analyzed in the cotunneling regime (weak tunnel coupling) and in the deep subgap limit, fully taking into account interaction effects. We determine the conditions for observing a finite anomalous supercurrent I_a=I(varphi=0). For a two-level dot with spin-orbit coupling and arbitrarily weak Zeeman field B, we find the onset behavior I_apropto {rm sgn}(B) in the presence of interactions, suggesting the incipient spontaneous breakdown of time-reversal symmetry. We also provide conditions for realizing spatially separated (but topologically unprotected) Majorana bound states in this system, which have a clear signature in the 2pi-periodic current-phase relation.
We report on the dynamics of optically induced nuclear spin polarization in individual CdTe/ZnTe quantum dots loaded with one electron by modulation doping. The fine structure of the hot trion (charged exciton $X^-$ with an electron in the $P$-shell)
is identified in photoluminescence excitation spectra. A negative polarisation rate of the photoluminescence, optical pumping of the resident electron and the built-up of dynamic nuclear spin polarisation (DNSP) are observed in time-resolved optical pumping experiments when the quantum dot is excited at higher energy than the hot trion triplet state. The time and magnetic field dependence of the polarisation rate of the $X^-$ emission allows to probe the dynamics of formation of the DNSP in the optical pumping regime. We demonstrate using time-resolved measurements that the creation of a DNSP at B=0T efficiently prevents longitudinal spin relaxation of the electron caused by fluctuations of the nuclear spin bath. The DNSP is built in the microsecond range at high excitation intensity. A relaxation time of the DNSP in about 10 microseconds is observed at $B=0T$ and significantly increases under a magnetic field of a few milli-Tesla. We discuss mechanisms responsible for the fast initialisation and relaxation of the diluted nuclear spins in this system.
We report on the observation of spin dependent optically dressed states and optical Stark effect on an individual Mn spin in a semiconductor quantum dot. The vacuum-to-exciton or the exciton-to-biexciton transitions in a Mn-doped quantum dot are opti
cally dressed by a strong laser field and the resulting spectral signature is measured in photoluminescence. We demonstrate that the energy of any spin state of a Mn atom can be independently tuned using the optical Stark effect induced by a control laser. High resolution spectroscopy reveals a power, polarization and detuning dependent Autler-Townes splitting of each optical transition of the Mn-doped quantum dot. This experiment demonstrates a complete optical resonant control of the exciton-Mn system.
