Optical control of exciton and spin states in a quantum dot by excitation with twisted light

Abstract

We discuss how the excitation of a quantum dot can benefit from the special properties of twisted light beams. First we address the question of the appropriate theoretical description of the light-matter coupling in this system, i.e., of the most appropriate gauge. Then we discuss the optical transitions induced by different types of twisted light beams showing that both the envelope and the spin state of the exciton can be well controlled.