We present a dynamical model that successfully explains the observed time evolution of the magnetization in diluted magnetic semiconductor quantum wells after weak laser excitation. Based on the pseudo-fermion formalism and a second order many-partic
le expansion of the exact p-d exchange interaction, our approach goes beyond the usual mean-field approximation. It includes both the sub-picosecond demagnetization dynamics and the slower relaxation processes which restore the initial ferromagnetic order in a nanosecond time scale. In agreement with experimental results, our numerical simulations show that, depending on the value of the initial lattice temperature, a subsequent enhancement of the total magnetization may be observed within a time scale of few hundreds of picoseconds.
Understanding the electron dynamics and transport in metallic and semiconductor nanostructures -- such as metallic nanoparticles, thin films, quantum wells and quantum dots -- represents a considerable challenge for todays condensed matter physics, b
oth fundamental and applied. In this review article, we will describe the collective electron dynamics in metallic and semiconductor nanostructures using different, but complementary, approaches. For small excitations (linear regime), the spectral properties can be investigated via quantum mean-field models of the TDLDA type (time-dependent local density approximation), generalized to account for a finite electron temperature. In order to explore the nonlinear regime (strong excitations), we will adopt a phase-space approach that relies on the resolution of kinetic equations in the classical phase space (Vlasov and Wigner equations). The phase-space approach provides a useful link between the classical and quantum dynamics and is well suited to model effects beyond the mean field approximation (electron-electron and electron-phonon collisions). We will also develop a quantum hydrodynamic model, based on velocity moments of the corresponding Wigner distribution function: this approach should lead to considerable gains in computing time in comparison with simulations based on conventional methods, such as density functional theory (DFT). Finally, the magnetization (spin) dynamics will also be addressed.
The quantum coherence of a Bose-Einstein condensate is studied using the concept of quantum fidelity (Loschmidt echo). The condensate is confined in an elongated anharmonic trap and subjected to a small random potential such as that created by a lase
r speckle. Numerical experiments show that the quantum fidelity stays constant until a critical time, after which it drops abruptly over a single trap oscillation period. The critical time depends logarithmically on the number of condensed atoms and on the perturbation amplitude. This behavior may be observable by measuring the interference fringes of two condensates evolving in slightly different potentials.
The optical response of nonparabolic quantum wells is dominated by a strong peak at the plasmon frequency. When the electrons reach the anharmonic regions, resonant absorption becomes inefficient. This limitation is overcome by using a chirped laser
pulse in the autoresonant regime. By direct simulations using the Wigner phase-space approach, the authors prove that, with a sequence of just a few pulses, electrons can be efficiently detrapped from a nonparabolic well. For an array of multiple quantum wells, they can create and control an electronic current by suitably applying an autoresonant laser pulse and a slowly varying dc electric field.
