Strain-tuning of quantum dot optical transitions via laser-induced surface defects

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how laser-induced surface defects can be used to precisely tune the optical transitions of quantum dots through strain, showing significant red-shifts and providing a simple model to explain the effects.

Contribution

It introduces a method for strain-based tuning of quantum dot optical properties using laser-induced surface defects, supported by experimental results and a theoretical model.

Findings

Quantum dot transitions red-shift upon defect creation

Frequency shift is about five times larger than cavity mode shifts

A simple model explains the strain-induced shifts

Abstract

We discuss the fine-tuning of the optical properties of self-assembled quantum dots by the strain perturbation introduced by laser-induced surface defects. We show experimentally that the quantum dot transition red-shifts, independently of the actual position of the defect, and that such frequency shift is about a factor five larger than the corresponding shift of a micropillar cavity mode resonance. We present a simple model that accounts for these experimental findings.