Carrier localization in self-organized quantum dots: An interplay between quantum and solid mechanics

Abstract

Localization of carriers in a self-organized quantum dot is a problem of quantum mechanics to be solved with the localizing potential for electrons and holes determined by the geometry, chemical composition, and built-in mechanical stress–strain field. We show that changes in the aspect ratio of a buried pyramidal quantum dot result in a substantial redistribution of the mechanical field components, which in turn provides certain non-trivial conditions for the strongest carrier localization at any given volume of the quantum dot.