Self-organization in growth of quantum dot superlattices

We investigate the growth of multilayer arrays of coherently strained islands, which may serve as ''quantum dots'' in electronic devices. A simple model reproduces the observed vertical correlation between islands in successive layers. However, the arrangement of islands is not simply repeated from layer to layer. Instead, the island size and spacing grow progressively more uniform. In effect, the structure ''self-organizes'' into a more regular three-dimensional arrangement, providing a possible route to obtain the size uniformity needed for electronic applications of quantum dot arrays.