Polaron effects on the optical absorption coefficients and refractive index changes in a square quantum well

The linear and nonlinear optical absorption coefficients and refractive index changes are obtained by using the compact density-matrix approach and an iterative procedure. With typical semiconducting GaAs materials, the linear, third-order nonlinear, total optical absorption coefficients and the optical refractive index have been examined. We find that the polaron effect has an important influence on the linear, third-order nonlinear, and total absorption coefficients as well as the refractive index changes.

► The optical properties are enhanced when considering the polaron effects. ► With typical semiconducting GaAs materials. ► The αeαe is weak-coupling constant.