Coherent spin dynamics of electrons and holes in semiconductor quantum wells and quantum dots under periodical optical excitation: resonant spin amplification versus spin mode-locking

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The coherent spin dynamics of resident carriers, electrons and holes, in semiconductor quantum structures is studied by periodical optical excitation using short laser pulses and in an external magnetic field. The generation and dephasing of spin polarization in an ensemble of carrier spins, for which the relaxation time of individual spins exceeds the repetition period of the laser pulses, are analyzed theoretically. Spin polarization accumulation is manifested either as resonant spin amplification or as mode-locking of carrier spin coherences. It is shown that both regimes have the same origin, while their appearance is determined by the optical pump power and the spread of spin precession frequencies in the ensemble.