We have measured the Auger recombination rate for excitons in ${\mathrm{Cu}}_2\mathrm{O}$ trapped in harmonic potential wells created by inhomogeneous stress. The rate is higher than assumed in most previous experiments, but consistent with the rate reported recently by O’Hara et al. [Phys. Rev. B (to be published)]. We find that even given this rate, the orthoexciton density immediately after creation in the well by a short laser pulse may be high enough for Bose condensation, and there is some evidence that this may occur.

• Received 16 September 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.61.2904