title: Superradiance and subradiance in an inhomogeneously broadened ensemble of two-level systems coupled to a low-Q cavity.
abstract: The collective spontaneous emission of a fully inverted inhomogeneously broadened ensemble of N two-level systems coupled to a single-mode low-Q cavity is investigated numerically using Monte Carlo wave function technique. An intrinsically bi-exponential emission dynamics is found when the time scales of superradiance tau(sr) and inhomogeneous dephasing T2* approximately 1/Deltaomega(inh) become comparable: a fast superradiant is followed by a slow subradiant decay. Experimental configurations using ensembles of quantum dots coupled to optical microcavities are proposed as possible candidates to observe the combined superradiant and subradiant energy relaxation.
authors.affiliation: Experimentelle Physik IIb, Universität Dortmund, Otto-Hahn Strasse 4, D-44221 Dortmund, Germany.
authors.forename: Vasily V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Temnov
authors.forename: Ulrike
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Woggon