Enhanced Cross-Phase Modulation via Phase Control in a Quantum dot Nanostructure

A four-level quantum dot (QD) nanostructure interacting with four fields (two weak near-infrared (NIR) pulses and two control fields) forms the well-known double-cascade configuration. We investigate the cross-phase modulation (XPM) between the two NIR pulses. The results show, in such a closed-loop scheme, that the XPM can be greatly enhanced, while the linear absorption and two-photon absorption (gain) can be efficiently depressed by tuning the relative phase among the applied fields. This protocol may have potential applications in NIR all-optical switch design and quantum information processing with the solid-state materials.