Dynamic nuclear spin polarization in resonant laser spectroscopy of a quantum dot

Abstract: Resonant optical excitation of lowest-energy excitonic transitions in self-assembled quantum dots lead to nuclear spin polarization that is qualitatively different from the well known optical orientation phenomena. By carrying out a comprehensive set of experiments, we demonstrate that nuclear spin polarization manifests itself in quantum dots subjected to finite external magnetic field as locking of the higher energy Zeeman transition to the driving laser field, as well as the avoidance of the resonance condition for the lower energy Zeeman branch. We interpret our findings on the basis of dynamic nuclear spin polarization originating from non-collinear hyperfine interaction and find an excellent agreement between the experimental results and the theoretical model.