Spectroscopic Studies of Quantum Well Structures in Pulsed Magnetic Fields

Magneto-photoluminescence spectroscopy (MPS) at low temperatures is a powerful technique for investigating the ground and excited states of high quality quantum well-type semiconductor heterostructures. The spectra are strongly influenced by electron-electron interactions and the method offers a complimentary tool to electrical transport studies. We have established a MPS facility at NHMFL-LANL and have undertaken a comprehensive investigation of magneto-excitonic and Landau transitions in a large variety of undoped and doped (two-dimensional electron gas, 2DEG) GaAs/AlGaAs and InGaAs/GaAs quantum-well structures. Excitation energies are provided by UV, visible, and NIR lasers. Fiber optic probes are used to switch between steady state (to 18 tesla) and short-pulsed (to 65 tesla) magnetic fields applied perpendicular (Faraday geometry) and parallel (Voigt geometry) to the growth axis of the 2D layers. The experimental techniques, optical layout, and data acquisition are reviewed i n some detail. Short-pulse magnets require that the spectroscopic data acquisition to be obtained in a 2 ms time-frame in the 'flat-top' region at the peak of the field. A broad range of samples have been investigated as a function of temperature, sample geometry, and high pressure. Examples of MPL spectra of single and coupled double quantum wells, modulation-doped quantum wells, single interface structures, and other related semiconductor heterojunction structures are given. The recently commissioned long-pulse magnet at NHMFL-LANL offers several new exciting possibilities: (i) The long exponential decay associated with the crow-bar mode has the potential for spectroscopic studies from 60 -10 T in 0.5 T intervals from a single pulse. (ii) Field steps programmed to last from 100-500 ms or longer offer the opportunity for time-resolved MPL spectroscopy in the 60 - 10 T range.