Semiconductor microcrystals (quantum dots) embedded in another crystal, glass matrix, colloidal solution, pores of zeolites or obtained through etching and ion implantation of a quantum well, ranging in dimensions between 1000 angstrom and 10 angstrom represent a system with challenging new physical properties. Although the simple interpretation in terms of confined particles is relatively old and successful, theorists struggle further for a better understanding of the many startling aspects. After reviewing the already classical representations, a peculiar attention is devoted to the strong interaction with the LO-phonons and its relation to possible surface states. Among the new topics the theory of quantum dots of indirect gap materials gets special attention.

Date Published: 11 March 1996
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 2777, ALT'95 International Symposium on Advanced Materials for Optics and Optoelectronics, (11 March 1996); doi: 10.1117/12.232201

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 2777:
ALT'95 International Symposium on Advanced Materials for Optics and Optoelectronics
Alexander M. Prokhorov; Vladimir I. Pustovoy, Editor(s)