Fine structure and optical pumping of spins in individual semiconductor quantum dots

TL;DR

This paper reviews the spin properties of semiconductor quantum dots, focusing on their optical spectra, fine structure, and the mechanisms of optical spin pumping for potential quantum information applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of spin interactions, spectral fine structure, and optical spin control techniques in individual semiconductor quantum dots.

Findings

Spectral fine structure reveals spin interactions within quantum dots.

Optical spin pumping enables control of electron and nuclear spins.

High-resolution spectroscopy elucidates spin-environment interactions.

Abstract

We review spin properties of semiconductor quantum dots and their effect on optical spectra. Photoluminescence and other types of spectroscopy are used to probe neutral and charged excitons in individual quantum dots with high spectral and spatial resolution. Spectral fine structure and polarization reveal how quantum dot spins interact with each other and with their environment. By taking advantage of the selectivity of optical selection rules and spin relaxation, optical spin pumping of the ground state electron and nuclear spins is achieved. Through such mechanisms, light can be used to process spins for use as a carrier of information.