Dynamics of Cu2O Rydberg Excitons -- Kerr Effect and Quantum Beats

Abstract: We investigate the nonlinear refraction and the nonlinear Kerr phase shift which are due to Rydberg excitons induced in Cu2O crystal by short-time pulses. We observe the phenomenon of quantum beats, analogous to that observed in exciton emission spectra, obtained in the same conditions. The calculated temporal evolution show dependence on the exciton state number, the applied laser power, and quantities related to dissipative processes.