SELF-ASSEMBLED SEMICONDUCTOR QUANTUM DOTS: Fundamental Physics and Device Applications

As a result of their fully quantized electronic states and high radiative efficiencies, self-assembled quantum dots have enabled major advances in fundamental physics studies of zero-dimensionality semiconductor systems and in a variety of novel device applications. This article reviews some of the more important recent advances, covering the study and application of both ensembles and single quantum dots. It shows that a comprehensive understanding of the dot electronic structure and dynamical carrier processes is possible and that this knowledge underpins the various device applications.