Modification of photon states in photonic molecules with semiconductor nanocrystals

Abstract

We report on the coherent coupling of whispering gallery modes (WGM) in a photonic molecule formed from two melamine-formaldehyde spherical microcavities coated with a thin shell of CdTe nanocrystals (NCs). Utilizing different excitation conditions the splitting of the WGM resonances originating from bonding and anti-bonding branches of the photonic states is observed and fine structure consisting of very sharp peaks resulting from lifting of the WGM degeneracy has been detected. Observation of optical wavelength switching with controllable spectral position and separation is reported.