Picosecond Nonlinear Resonant Interactions in Semiconductors.

This research was aimed at advancing understanding and utilization of selected optical properties of semiconductors containing magnetic elements. Emphasis was placed on the interaction of such materials with ultrashort pulses of laser radiation in order to study coupled electronic and magnetic excitations under selected nonequilibrium conditions. We hoped to generate novel results through experimental research for applications to fast optoelectronic devices. The mixed crystal semiconductors (Cd, Mn)Se and (Cd, Mn)Te were used. The contract work has generated a number of 'firsts', e.g., we measured the formation of local, microscopic magnetically oriented domains through real-time spectroscopy with picosecond laser pulses. (Author)