Theory of propagation and scattering of exciton–polaritons in quantum wells

A novel semi-classical theory of exciton–polaritons in quantum wells (QWs) is presented. Time-resolved coherent optical spectra of QWs are described by the light coupling with ensembles of localised quantum dot-like exciton states. The ratio between reflection and resonant Rayleigh scattering (RRS) intensity gives a direct measure of the density of these excitonic dots. Good agreement with experimental data on time-resolved angle-dependent reflection and RRS from a GaAs single QW is achieved.