Multiexciton complexes in InAs self-assembled quantum dots

We review our recent work on multiexciton complexes in InAs self-assembled quantum dots using a combination of effective mass, k.p, and atomistic sp(3)s*d(5) tight-binding approaches. The single-particle levels from effective mass, k.p, and atomistic tight-binding models are used as input into configuration-interaction calculation of multiexciton spectra. We describe the principles of the atomistic approach and apply all these computational tools to illustrate the concept of hidden symmetry as underlying principle in energy levels of multiexciton complexes, optical detection of electron spin polarization, tunneling of holes in quantum dot molecules, and tuning of multiexciton spectra with lateral electric fields for entangled photon pair generation. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3117231]