Optical control of mesoscopic spin ensembles in gallium arsenide

This PhD thesis describes experiments and theory on the interaction
of coherent light with the magnetic moment of
localized electrons in a semiconductor. The prospects for
achieving accurate control of the electrons’ spin are
discussed, particularly addressing the limitations imposed
by disturbance from surrounding nuclear spins. It is argued
that feedback control is the way to stabilize the combined
system of electrons and nuclei. It is demonstrated how this
can be achieved using only laser excitation and exploiting
the hyperfine interaction in the system.