Linear and nonlinear optical absorptions in one-dimensional quantum dot with semi-parabolic confining potential

Linear and nonlinear optical absorptions in one-dimensional semi-parabolic quantum dot is investigated. The analytical expression of linear and third-order nonlinear optical absorption coefficients are obtained by using compact density-matrix approach and iterative method. Numerical results are presented for an GaAs/AlGaAs quantum dot and the dependence on the quantum confinement of the semi-parabolic quantum dot, the incident optical intensity, and on the relaxation rate are also investigated. The results indicate that the optical absorption coefficients are strongly influenced by the confining frequency, relaxation time, and the incident optical intensity, respectively. However, their influences for the linear optical absorption, third-order nonlinear optical absorption, and the total optical absorption are different. We think our theoretical study may make a great contribution to experimental studies and may open up new opportunities for practical exploitation of the quantum-size effect in optical devices.