Electron-beam-induced quantum interference effects in a multi-level quantum emitter

Abstract

Cathodoluminescence spectroscopy has recently emerged as a novel platform for nanoscale control of nonclassical features of light. Here, we propose a theoretical model for cathodoluminescence from a multi-level quantum emitter. Employing a master equation approach and treating the electron-beam excitation as an incoherent broadband field source, we show that quantum interference can arise between the different relaxation pathways. The induced-interference can significantly modify the time-dependent spectra resulting in the enhancement or suppression of cathodoluminescence. We find that the excitation rate, initial state of the emitter, and excited level spacing play a crucial role in determining the influence of interference. Our findings shed light on electron-beam-induced quantum interference in cathodoluminescence and provides a theoretical basis for exploring quantum optical phenomena in electron-driven multi-level systems.