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This book provides a comprehensive analysis of quantum-confined semiconductor lasers, focusing on quantum dot lasers (QDLs) and interband quantum cascade lasers (ICLs). Through theoretical and numerical exploration, the author scrutinizes the amplitude and frequency noise spectra, studies the dynamics induced by delayed optical reinjection, and investigates the generation of squeezed states for both laser types. Notably, his predictions align with experimental results, demonstrating the robustness of this approach. Structured meticulously, the book begins with an overview of QDL and ICL technology, followed by in-depth chapters on classical noise and dynamics, and quantum aspects, particularly the generation of squeezed states. Clearly written, the text strikes a balance between words and equations, maintaining accessibility without sacrificing depth. It includes an extensive bibliography, a testament to the thoroughness of the research and a useful feature for all newcomers to the field.

This book provides guidelines and design rules for developing high-performance, low-cost, and energy-efficient quantum-dot (QD) lasers for silicon photonic integrated circuits (PIC), optical frequency comb generation, and quantum information systems. To this end, the nonlinear properties and dynamics of QD lasers on silicon are investigated in depth by both theoretical analysis and experiment. This book aims at addressing four issues encountered in developing silicon PIC: 1) The instability of laser emission caused by the chip-scale back-reflection. During photonic integration, the chip-scale back-reflection is usually responsible for the generation of severe instability (i.e., coherence collapse) from the on-chip source. As a consequence, the transmission performance of the chip could be largely degraded. To overcome this issue, we investigate the nonlinear properties and dynamics of QD laser on Si in this book to understand how can it be applied to isolator-free photonic integration in which the expensive optical isolator can be avoided. Results show that the QD laser exhibits a high degree of tolerance for chip-scale back-reflections in absence of any instability, which is a promising solution for isolator-free applications. 2) The degradation of laser performance at a high operating temperature. In this era of Internet-of-Thing (IoT), about 40% of energy is consumed for cooling in the data center. In this context, it is important to develop a high-temperature continuous-wave (CW) emitted laser source. In this book, we introduce a single-mode distributed feedback (DFB) QD laser with a design of optical wavelength detuning (OWD). By taking advantage of the OWD technique and the high-performance QD with high thermal stability, all the static and dynamical performances of the QD device are improved when the operating temperature is high. This study paves the way for developing uncooled and isolator-free PIC. 3) The limited phase noise level and optical bandwidth of the laser are the bottlenecks for further increasing the transmission capacity. To improve the transmission capacity and meet the requirement of the next generation of high-speed optical communication, we introduce the QD-based optical frequency comb (OFC) laser in this book. Benefiting from the gain broadening effect and the low-noise properties of QD, the OFC laser is realized with high optical bandwidth and low phase noise. We also provide approaches to further improve the laser performance, including the external optical feedback and the optical injection. 4) Platform with rich optical nonlinearities is highly desired by future integrated quantum technologies. In this book, we investigate the nonlinear properties and four-wave mixing (FWM) of QD laser on Si. This study reveals that the FWM efficiency of QD laser is more than ten times higher than that of quantum-well laser, which gives insight into developing a QD-based silicon platform for quantum states of light generation. Based on the results in this book, scientists, researchers, and engineers can come up with an informed judgment in utilizing the QD laser for applications ranging from classical silicon PIC to integrated quantum technologies.

This book presents the first established experimental results of an emergent field: 2-dimensional materials as platforms for quantum technologies, specifically through the optics of quantum-confined excitons. It also provides an extensive review of the literature from a number of disciplines that informed the research, and introduces the materials of focus – 2d Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (2d-TMDs) – in detail, discussing electronic and chemical structure, excitonic behaviour and response to strain. This is followed by a brief overview of quantum information technologies, including concepts such as single-photon sources and quantum networks. The methods chapter addresses quantum optics techniques and 2d-material processing, while the results section shows the development of a method to deterministically create quantum dots (QDs) in the 2d-TMDs, which can trap single-excitons; the fabrication of atomically thin quantum light-emitting diodes to induce all-electrical single-photon emission from the QDs, and lastly, the use of devices to controllably trap single-spins in the QDs –the first step towards their use as optically-addressable matter qubits.

This book explores the effects of growth pause or ripening time on the properties of quantum dots(QDs). It covers the effects of post-growth rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treatment on properties of single layer QDs. The effects of post-growth rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treatment on properties of single layer QDs are discussed. The book offers insight into InAs/GaAs bilayer QD heterostructures with very thin spacer layers and discusses minimum spacer thickness required to grow electronically coupled bilayer QD heterostructures. These techniques make bilayer QD heterostructures a better choice over the single layer and uncoupled multilayer QD heterostructure. Finally, the book discusses sub-monolayer (SML) growth technique to grow QDs. This recent technique has been proven to improve the device performance significantly. The contents of this monograph will prove useful to researchers and professionals alike.

This book highlights the most recent developments in quantum dot spin physics and the generation of deterministic superior non-classical light states with quantum dots. In particular, it addresses single quantum dot spin manipulation, spin-photon entanglement and the generation of single-photon and entangled photon pair states with nearly ideal properties. The role of semiconductor microcavities, nanophotonic interfaces as well as quantum photonic integrated circuits is emphasized. The latest theoretical and experimental studies of phonon-dressed light matter interaction, single-dot lasing and resonance fluorescence in QD cavity systems are also provided. The book is written by the leading experts in the field.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of ZnO-nano carbon core shell hybrid issues. There is significant interest in metal oxide/nanocarbon hybrid functional materials in the field of energy conversion and storage as electrode materials for supercapacitors, Li ion secondary battery, electrocatalysts for water splitting, and optoelectronic devices such as light emitting diodes and solar photovoltaic cells. Despite efforts to manipulate more uniform metal oxide-nanocarbon nanocomposite structures, they have shown poor performance because they are randomly scattered and non-uniformly attached to the nanocarbon surface. For higher and more effective performance of the hybrid structure, 3D conformal coating on metal oxides are highly desirable.In the first part of the book, the physical and chemical properties of ZnO and nanocarbons and the state-of-the-art in related research are briefly summarized. In the next part, the 3D conformal coating synthetic processes of ZnO templated nanocarbon hybrid materials such as ZnO-graphene,-C60, single-walled (SWCNT) are introduced with the aid of schematic illustrations. Analysis of their chemical bonding and structure are also presented. In the final section, several applications are presented: UV photovoltaic cells and photoelectrochemical anodes for water splitting using ZnO-C60 and ZnO-graphene, white-light-emitting diodes based on ZnO-graphene quantum dots(GQDs), inverted solar cells using ligand-modified ZnO-graphene QDs, and P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer with mixed with nano-ring SWCNT.The book describes how strong anchoring bonds between a ZnO core and carbon nanomaterial shell will ultimately prevail over the main drawbacks of ZnO with high charge recombination and poor electrochemical stability in liquid solutions. Due to the moderate energy states and excellent electric properties of the nanocarbons, ultrafast charge carrier transport from the ZnO core to the nanocarbon shell is guaranteed with the use of thephotoluminescence (PL) lifetime measurement.Given the growing interest and significance of future research in optoelectronic and electrochemical devices applications, the contents are very timely. This book is targeted towards researchers looking for highly efficient metal oxide-nanocarbon hybrid functional materials in the fields of nano-optoelectronics, photoelectrochemistry, energy storage and conversion.

This thesis examines the unique properties of gallium arsenide (GaAs)-based quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifiers for optical communication networks, introducing readers to their fundamentals, basic parameters and manifold applications. The static and dynamic properties of these amplifiers are discussed extensively in comparison to conventional, non quantum-dot based amplifiers, and their unique advantages are elaborated on, such as the fast carrier dynamics and the decoupling of gain and phase dynamics. In addition to diverse amplification scenarios involving single and multiple high symbol rate amplitude and phase-coded data signals, wide-range wavelength conversion as a key functionality for optical signal processing is investigated and discussed in detail. Furthermore, two novel device concepts are developed and demonstrated that have the potential to significantly simplify network architectures, reducing the investment and maintenance costs as well as the energy consumption of future networks.

This thesis sheds light on the unique dynamics of optoelectronic devices based on semiconductor quantum-dots. The complex scattering processes involved in filling the optically active quantum-dot states and the presence of charge-carrier nonequilibrium conditions are identified as sources for the distinct dynamical behavior of quantum-dot based devices. Comprehensive theoretical models, which allow for an accurate description of such devices, are presented and applied to recent experimental observations. The low sensitivity of quantum-dot lasers to optical perturbations is directly attributed to their unique charge-carrier dynamics and amplitude-phase-coupling, which is found not to be accurately described by conventional approaches. The potential of quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifiers for novel applications such as simultaneous multi-state amplification, ultra-wide wavelength conversion, and coherent pulse shaping is investigated. The scattering mechanisms and the unique electronic structure of semiconductor quantum-dots are found to make such devices prime candidates for the implementation of next-generation optoelectronic applications, which could significantly simplify optical telecommunication networks and open up novel high-speed data transmission schemes.

A quantum dot molecule (QDM) is composed of two or more closely spaced quantum dots or “artificial atoms.” In recent years, QDMs have received much attention as an emerging new artificial quantum system. The interesting and unique coupling and energy transfer processes between the “artificial atoms” could substantially extend the range of possible applications of quantum nanostructures. This book reviews recent advances in the exciting and rapidly growing field of QDMs via contributions from some of the most prominent researchers in this scientific community. The book explores many interesting topics such as the epitaxial growth of QDMs, spectroscopic characterization, and QDM transistors, and bridges between the fundamental physics of novel materials and device applications for future information technology. Both theoretical and experimental approaches are considered. Quantum Dot Molecules can be recommended for electrical engineering and materials science department courses on the science and design of advanced and future electronic and optoelectronic devices.

This thesis deals with the dynamics of state-of-the-art nanophotonic semiconductor structures, providing essential information on fundamental aspects of nonlinear dynamical systems on the one hand, and technological applications in modern telecommunication on the other. Three different complex laser structures are considered in detail: (i) a quantum-dot-based semiconductor laser under optical injection from a master laser, (ii) a quantum-dot laser with optical feedback from an external resonator, and (iii) a passively mode-locked quantum-well semiconductor laser with saturable absorber under optical feedback from an external resonator. Using a broad spectrum of methods, both numerical and analytical, this work achieves new fundamental insights into the interplay of microscopically based nonlinear laser dynamics and optical perturbations by delayed feedback and injection.

The third generation of solar cells includes those based on semiconductor quantum dots. This sophisticated technology applies nanotechnology and quantum mechanics theory to enhance the performance of ordinary solar cells. Although a practical application of quantum dot solar cells has yet to be achieved, a large number of theoretical calculations and experimental studies have confirmed the potential for meeting the requirement for ultra-high conversion efficiency. In this book, high-profile scientists have contributed tutorial chapters that outline the methods used in and the results of various quantum dot solar cell designs, including quantum dot intermediate band solar cells, hot electron quantum dot solar cells, quantum-dot sensitized solar cells, colloidal quantum dot solar cells, hybrid polymer-quantum dot solar cells, and MEG quantum dot solar cells. Both theoretical and experimental approaches are described. Quantum Dot Solar Cells helps to connect the fundamental laws of physics and the chemistry of materials with advances in device design and performance. The book can be recommended for a broad audience of chemists, electrical engineers, and materials scientists, and is suitable for use in courses on materials and device design for advanced and future optoelectronics.

Quantum dots as nanomaterials have been extensively investigated in the past several decades from growth to characterization to applications. As the basis of future developments in the field, this book collects a series of state-of-the-art chapters on the current status of quantum dot devices and how these devices take advantage of quantum features. Written by 56 leading experts from 14 countries, the chapters cover numerous quantum dot applications, including lasers, LEDs, detectors, amplifiers, switches, transistors, and solar cells. Quantum Dot Devices is appropriate for researchers of all levels of experience with an interest in epitaxial and/or colloidal quantum dots. It provides the beginner with the necessary overview of this exciting field and those more experienced with a comprehensive reference source.

In this monograph, the authors address the physics and engineering together with the latest achievements of efficient and compact ultrafast lasers based on novel quantum-dot structures and devices. Their approach encompasses a broad range of laser systems, while taking into consideration not only the physical and experimental aspects but also the much needed modeling tools, thus providing a holistic understanding of this hot topic.

Primary goal of this book is to provide a cohesive description of the vast field of semiconductor quantum devices, with special emphasis on basic quantum-mechanical phenomena governing the electro-optical response of new-generation nanomaterials. The book will cover within a common language different types of optoelectronic nanodevices, including quantum-cascade laser sources and detectors, few-electron/exciton quantum devices, and semiconductor-based quantum logic gates. The distinguishing feature of the present volume is a unified microscopic treatment of quantum-transport and coherent-optics phenomena on ultrasmall space- and time-scales, as well as of their semiclassical counterparts.

This book reviews recent advances in the exciting and rapidly growing field of semiconductor quantum dots via contributions from some of the most prominent researchers in the scientific community. Special focus is given to optical, quantum optical, and spin properties of single quantum dots due to their potential applications in devices operating with single electron spins and/or single photons. This includes single and coupled quantum dots in external fields, cavity-quantum electrodynamics, and single and entangled photon pair generation. Single Semiconductor Quantum Dots also addresses growth techniques to allow for a positioned nucleation of dots as well as applications of quantum dots in quantum information technologies.

In recent years, the field of self-assembled quantum dots has shown great promise for nanoscale applications in optoelectronics and quantum computing. Worldwide efforts in both theory and experimental investigations have driven the growth, characterization, and applications of quantum dots into an advanced multidisciplinary field. Written by leading experts in the field, Self-Assembled Quantum Dots provides up-to-date coverage of carrier and spin dynamics and energy transfer and structural interaction among nanostructures. Topics also includes current device applications such as quantum dot lasers and detectors as well as future applications to quantum information processing.

Reducing the size of a coherently grown semiconductor cluster in all three directions of space to a value below the de Broglie wavelength of a charge carrier leads to complete quantization of the energy levels, density of states, etc. Such “quantum dots” are more similar to giant atoms in a dielectric cage than to classical solids or semiconductors showing a dispersion of energy as a function of wavevector. Their electronic and optical properties depend strongly on their size and shape, i.e. on their geometry. By designing the geometry by controlling the growth of QDs, absolutely novel possibilities for material design leading to novel devices are opened. This multiauthor book written by world-wide recognized leaders of their particular fields and edited by the recipient of the Max-Born Award and Medal 2006 Professor Dieter Bimberg reports on the state of the art of the growing of quantum dots, the theory of self-organised growth, the theory of electronic and excitonic states, optical properties and transport in a variety of materials. It covers the subject from the early work beginning of the 1990s up to 2006. The topics addressed in the book are the focus of research in all leading semiconductor and optoelectronic device laboratories of the world.

When investigations on semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots started more than a quarter of a century ago, no one ever believed that nanoparticle research would develop into one of the major fields in modern science. The basis was laid by studies of photocatalysis and artificial water splitting driven by the former oil crisis. These euphorically started activities ebbed away more and more when on one side oil brimmed over again and the scientists on the other did not succeed in the concomitant formation of hydrogen and oxygen. At the same time size quantisation was discovered in nanocrystals initiating a fruitful research field on scaling laws of physical and chemical properties of quantum dots. Especially optical investigations of semiconductor nanocrystals led to fas- nating scientific results and to applications in optoelectronics and biolabeling. Advances in spectroscopic measurements were always correlated with advances in synthesis. The better the size, shape and surface control of the particles was developed, the more detailed and precise was the spectroscopic information - tained. Applications of nanocrystal quantum dots often require asssembly processes for the formation of polymer hybrids or thin films. For this as well as for the use in biomedical applications new ligand chemistry needed to be developed during the recent past. This book gives a very competent view on all these facets of nanocrystal quantum dot research. Twelve chapters are written by experts in the fields in a way introducing the respective concepts and providing comprehensive overview on the current state of the art.

Accurate positioning of self-organized nanostructures on a substrate surface can be regarded as the Achilles'heel of nanotechnology. This perception also applies to self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots. This book describes the full range of possible strategies to laterally align self-assembled quantum dots on a substrate surface, starting from pure self-ordering mechanisms and culminating with forced alignment by lithographic positioning. The text addresses both short- and long-range ordering phenomena and paves the way for the future high integration of single quantum dot devices on a single chip. Contributions by the best-known experts in this field ensure that all relevant quantum-dot heterostructures are elucidated from diverse perspectives.