Modulations in Low-Temperature Transient Reflectivity Measurements

Abstract

Periodic modulations that appear in the low-temperature transient reflectivity signal of a GaAsP / AlGaAs single quantum well is studied. Similar anomalous oscillations are also reported in layered manganite [K. Kouyama et al., J. Phys. Soc. Jpn.76 (2007) 123702(1–3).] We show that such periodic modulations are caused by changes in the linear reflectivity of the sample during transient reflectivity measurements. Studies carried out on reflectivity of different materials under identical conditions show that these modulations on the true transient reflectivity signal are caused by condensation of residual gases on the surface of quantum well. Methods to obtain reliable transient reflectivity data are also described.