Enhanced Kerr nonlinearity in a tunnel-coupled double quantum wells

The giant Kerr nonlinearity in an asymmetric coupled quantum well (CQW) driven by probe and control laser fields based on intersubband transitions is investigated. The effect of controlling parameters such as intensity of coupling field and electron tunneling on nonlinear behavior of the system is then discussed. It is shown that the enhanced Kerr nonlinearity with reduced linear and nonlinear absorption can be achieved.

► We present the enhancement of Kerr nonlinearity in a four-subband quantum well system.
► The effect of energy splitting on linear and nonlinear absorption is discussed.
► The effect of coupling field on linear and nonlinear susceptibility is investigated.