Ch. Strelow

Highly uniform and strain-free GaAs quantum dots fabricated by filling of self-assembled nanoholes

We demonstrate the self-assembled creation of a novel type of strain-free semiconductor quantum dot (QD) by local droplet etching (LDE) with Al to form nanoholes in AlGaAs or AlAs surfaces and subsequent filling with GaAs. Since the holes are filled with a precisely defined filling level, we achieve ultrauniform LDE QD ensembles with extremely narrow photoluminescence (PL) linewidth of less than 10 meV. The PL peaks agree with a slightly anisotropic parabolic potential. Small QDs reveal indications for transitions between electron and hole states with different quantization numbers. For large QDs, a very small fine-structure splitting is observed.

Three-Dimensionally Confined Optical Modes in Quantum Well Microtube Ring Resonators

We report on microtube ring resonators with quantum wells embedded as an optically active material. Optical modes are observed over a broad energy range. Their properties strongly depend on the exact geometry of the microtube along its axis. In particular, we observe (i) preferential emission of light on the inside edge of the microtube and (ii) confinement of light also in the direction of the tube axis by an axially varying geometry, which is explained in an expanded waveguide model.

Time-resolved studies of a rolled-up semiconductor microtube laser

We report on lasing in rolled-up microtube resonators. Time-resolved studies on these semiconductor lasers containing GaAs quantum wells as optical gain material reveal particularly fast turn-on-times and short pulse emissions above the threshold. We observe a strong red-shift of the laser mode during the pulse emission which is compared to the time evolution of the charge-carrier density calculated by rate equations.

Single-dot Spectroscopy of GaAs Quantum Dots Fabricated by Filling of Self-assembled Nanoholes

We study the optical emission of single GaAs quantum dots (QDs). The QDs are fabricated by filling of nanoholes in AlGaAs and AlAs which are generated in a self-assembled fashion by local droplet etching with Al droplets. Using suitable process parameters, we create either uniform QDs in partially filled deep holes or QDs with very broad size distribution in completely filled shallow holes. Micro photoluminescence measurements of single QDs of both types establish sharp excitonic peaks. We measure a fine-structure splitting in the range of 22–40μeV and no dependence on QD size. Furthermore, we find a decrease in exciton–biexciton splitting with increasing QD size.

Optical Properties of GaAs Quantum Dots Fabricated by Filling of Self-Assembled Nanoholes

Experimental results of the local droplet etching technique for the self-assembled formation of nanoholes and quantum rings on semiconductor surfaces are discussed. Dependent on the sample design and the process parameters, filling of nanoholes in AlGaAs generates strain-free GaAs quantum dots with either broadband optical emission or sharp photoluminescence (PL) lines. Broadband emission is found for samples with completely filled flat holes, which have a very broad depth distribution. On the other hand, partly filling of deep holes yield highly uniform quantum dots with very sharp PL lines.

AlInP-based rolled-up microtube resonators with colloidal nanocrystals operating in the visible spectral range

We report on the realization of AlInP rolled-up microtubes that can be used as high refractive index optical resonators operating in the visible spectral range down to a wavelength of at least 530 nm. Furthermore, colloidal CdSe/CdS/ZnS core-shell-shell nanocrystals were deposited close to the microtube wall by fluid filling of the microtube and subsequent evaporation of the solvent. The optical modes of the microtube resonator are excited via coupling of the nanocrystals to the evanescent fields of the modes. By embedding the nanocrystal emitters in a polymer film, an enhanced nanocrystal stability is obtained. The film is studied by the built-in refractometer of the microtube.

Optical Microtube Ring Resonators

In this work, we demonstrate that semiconductor microtubes fabricated by utilizing the self‐rolling mechanism of epitaxially grown strained bilayers can act as optical ring resonators. The mode structure is probed by the photoluminescence of an optically active material, i.e. self‐assembled quantum dots, embedded inside the microtube wall. We find a spectrum of sharp modes, which is in very good agreement with the result of a theoretical modelling of the microtube as a closed thin dielectric waveguide. This novel kind of microcavity, in which the optically active material is intrinsically located close to the optical field maximum, is a good candidate for both, new optoelectronic devices and cavity quantum electrodynamic experiments.