Excitonic coupling in GaAs/GaAlAs quantum wells in an electric field

We have observed coupling between excited and ground states of excitons in GaAs quantum wells under an electric field. Low-temperature photoluminescence excitation spectra show peaks corresponding to excited states of the heavy-hole exciton and to the ground state of the light-hole exciton. With increasing field, the peaks converge and then they show anticrossing and share their oscillator strengths. As a result of this interaction, fine structure attributed to the 2p state of the heavy-hole exciton is resolved. © 1987 The American Physical Society.