Controlled Drift of Indirect Excitons in Coupled Quantum Wells: Toward Bose Condensation in a Two-Dimensional Trap

We have succeeded in trapping indirect excitons in coupled quantum wells in a harmonic potential minimum via inhomogeneous applied stress and electric field. These excitons exhibit a strong Stark shift (over 60 meV), long lifetime (100 ns), and high diffusivity (1000 cm$^2$/s). This approach is very promising for obtaining the high exciton density needed for Bose condensation of excitons in two dimensions.