Superradiance and subradiance in an inhomogeneously broadened ensemble of two-level systems coupled to a low-Q cavity -: art. no. 243602

The collective spontaneous emission of a fully inverted inhomogeneously broadened ensemble of N two-level systems coupled to a single-mode low-Q cavity is investigated numerically using Monte Carlo wave function technique. An intrinsically bi-exponential emission dynamics is found when the time scales of superradiance tau(sr) and inhomogeneous dephasing T(2)(*)similar to 1/Delta omega(inh) become comparable: a fast superradiant is followed by a slow subradiant decay. Experimental configurations using ensembles of quantum dots coupled to optical microcavities are proposed as possible candidates to observe the combined superradiant and subradiant energy relaxation.