A Theory of Frenkel Excitons Using a Two-Level-Atom Model

Abstract

A formal, regorous theory of Frenkel excitons interacting with an external electromagnetic field is doveloped within the framework of a two-level-atom model in which the dipole approximation is employed in describing the atom-field (taken as a c-number) interaction. The model exciton Hamiltonian is shown to be identical in form with the Heisenberg model Hamiltonian for S=1/2 spins with anisotropic long-range exchange interactions. Instead of treating excitons as a non-ideal Bose gas, atomic polarization operators and level population defference are taken up as two fundamental quantities to describe Frenkel excitons. A pair of equations satisfied by these two quantities are derived. It is shown that Frenkel excitons are generally expressed as quantum-mechanical nonlinear polarization waves, the nonlinearity being characterized by the level population. A discussion is given on the interrelationship between such polarization waves and those derivable from the classical Drude-Lorentz model. With the aid of several approximation procedures similar to those employed in nonlinear optics, a set of equations describing nonlinear exciton-photon coupled modes are derived. Brief discussion is given on the eigenfrequencies of nonlinear Frenkel excitons and nonlinear polaritons. The existence of nonlinear exciton-photon coupled modes whose properties are different from those of polariton modes is suggested.