Generation and quantum control of giant plasmon pulses by transient quantum coherence

Amplified ultrashort laser pulses are useful in many fields of science and engineering. We propose a quantum approach to ultrashort pulse generation using transient quantum coherence that predicts order of magnitude stronger pulses generated with lower input energy than in the steady-state regime. This femtosecond quantum-coherent analog of nanosecond Q switching is not limited by the pulse duration constraints of the latter and, in principle, may be used for a variety of lasers including plasmon nanolasers. This approach, applied to the generation of giant plasmon pulses, could achieve quantum control of plasmon relaxation dynamics by varying the drive-pulse delay, amplitude, and duration. This holds promise for a new control mechanism. We discuss implementations and applications of this source of ultrashort nano-optical studies.