Quantum dot crystals

By controlling the composition, size and shape of quantum dots, their  optoelectronic properties can be tuned, creating “artificial atoms”. The challenge ahead is to create artificial molecules or even crystals: in a periodic, closely-spaced quantum dot arrangement, modeling a crystal, the energy levels of the quantum dots couple, leading to the formation of an electronic band structure.

Reciprocal space maps around the (224) Bragg peak taken from a three-dimensional Si-Ge quantum dot crystal with 10 periods (Image credit: J. Stangl, copyright 2008 J. Stangl).

Further information:

• Three-dimensional Si/Ge quantum dot crystals

• Ref.: D. Grützmacher et al.,  Nano Letters 7, 3150-3156 (2007).