Physical Models For Quantum Dots

Since the early 1990s, quantum dots have become an integral part of research in solid state physics for their fundamental properties that mimic the behavior of atoms and molecules on a larger scale. They also have a broad range of applications in engineering and medicines for their ability to tune their electronic properties to achieve specific functions. This book is a compilation of articles that span 20 years of research on comprehensive physical models developed by their authors to understand the detailed properties of these quantum objects and to tailor them for specific applications. Far from being exhaustive, this book focuses on topics of interest for solid state physicists, materials scientists, engineers, and general readers, such as quantum dots and nanocrystals for single-electron charging with applications in memory devices, quantum dots for electron-spin manipulation with applications in quantum information processing, and finally self-assembled quantum dots for applications in nanophotonics.

Quantum wires are artificial structures characterized by nanoscale cross sections that contain charged particles moving along a single degree of freedom. With electronic motions constrained into standing modes along with the two other spatial directions, they have been primarily investigated for their unidimensional dynamics of quantum-confined charge carriers, which eventually led to broad applications in large-scale nanoelectronics. This book is a compilation of articles that span more than 30 years of research on developing comprehensive physical models that describe the physical properties of these unidimensional semiconductor structures. The articles address the effect of quantum confinement on lattice vibrations, carrier scattering rates, and charge transport as well as present practical examples of solutions to the Boltzmann equation by analytical techniques and by numerical simulations such as the Monte Carlo method. The book also presents topics on quantum transport and spin effects in unidimensional molecular structures such as carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoribbons in terms of non-equilibrium Green’s function approaches and density functional theory.

The science and technology relating to nanostructures continues to receive significant attention for its applications to various fields including microelectronics, nanophotonics, and biotechnology. This book describes the basic quantum mechanical principles underlining this fast developing field. From the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics to nanomaterial properties, from device physics to research and development of new systems, this title is aimed at undergraduates, graduates, postgraduates, and researchers.

Quantum dots are incredibly small spaces that hold a small number of electrons and constitute the new threshold of microelectronic or nanoelectronic devices. This important book explains the basic structure of quantum dots, how to produce them, their internal properties and electronic structure, and directly observed properties such as their response to light or electrodes. It also addresses physical effects occurring in dots, theoretical models, computational methods, and future applications.

A quantum dot is a particle of matter so small that the addition or removal of an electron changes its properties in some useful way. All atoms are quantum dots, but multi-molecular combinations can have this characteristic. In biochemistry, quantum dots are called redox groups. In nanotechnology, they are called quantum bits or qubits. Quantum dots typically have dimensions measured in nanometers, where one nanometer is 10-9 meter or a millionth of a millimetre. The fields of biology, chemistry, computer science, and electronics are all of interest to researchers in nanotechnology. Other applications of quantum dots include nanomachines, neural networks, and high-density memory or storage media. Research is being carried out on nano-crystals, self-assembled dots, and gated structures. This book presents leading-edge research from around the world.

In this book, leading experts on quantum dot theory and technology provide comprehensive reviews of all aspects of quantum dot systems. The following topics are covered: (1) energy states in quantum dots, including the effects of strain and many-body effects; (2) self-assembly and self-ordering of quantum dots in semiconductor systems; (3) growth, structures, and optical properties of III-nitride quantum dots; (4) quantum dot lasers.

Quantum Wells, Wires and Dots, 3rd Edition is aimed at providing all the essential information, both theoretical and computational, in order that the reader can, starting from essentially nothing, understand how the electronic, optical and transport properties of semiconductor heterostructures are calculated. Completely revised and updated, this text is designed to lead the reader through a series of simple theoretical and computational implementations, and slowly build from solid foundations, to a level where the reader can begin to initiate theoretical investigations or explanations of their own.

Semiconductors and Semimetals has distinguished itself through the careful selection of well-known authors, editors, and contributors. Originally widely known as the "Willardson and Beer" Series, it has succeeded in publishing numerous landmark volumes and chapters. The series publishes timely, highly relevant volumes intended for long-term impact and reflecting the truly interdisciplinary nature of the field. The volumes in Semiconductors and Semimetals have been and will continue to be of great interest to physicists, chemists, materials scientists, and device engineers in academia, scientific laboratories and modern industry. Written and edited by internationally renowned experts Relevant to a wide readership: physicists, chemists, materials scientists, and device engineers in academia, scientific laboratories and modern industry