Self Assembly and Beyond for Semiconductor Quantum Dots on GaAs(001) Surfaces


Kurt G. Eyink

Air Force Research Laboratories

 
Abstract
The growth and fabrication of quantum dots have been receiving a considerable amount of attention due to their unique properties. A review of the basic properties of quantum dots, as well as potential applications will be discussed. One technique, which has been used to fabricate these structures, is molecular beam epitaxy. Typically a self-assembly process occurs which allows these dots to form, however several new approaches are being studied to look at the possibility to enhance their uniformity in size and to allow precise placement on the surface. The self-assembly process will be analyzed in the context of a nucleation and growth phenomena and ramifications about the processes of directed assembly will be discussed. Finally several new approaches to quantum dot formation that we are pursuing will be discussed.