  We theoretically investigate the dynamic interaction of a quantum dot in a
nanocavity with timesymmetric single photon pulses. The simulations, based on a
wavefunction approach, reveal that almost perfect single photon absorption
occurs for quantum dot-cavity systems operating on the edge between strong and
weak coupling regime. The computed maximum absorptions probability is close to
unity for pulses with a typical length comparable to the half of the Rabi
period. Furthermore, the dynamic control of the quantum dot energy via electric
fields allows the freezing of the light-matter interaction leaving the quantum
dot in its excited state. Shaping of single photon wavepackets by the electric
field control is limited by the occurrence of chirping of the single photon
pulse. This understanding of the interaction of single photon pulses with the
quantum dot-cavity system provides the basis for the development of advanced
protocols for quantum information processing in the solid state.
