Kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of the nucleation stage of the self-organized growth of quantum dots

Abstract

In this paper we report computer simulations which explain the self-organized growth of quantum dots in the Stranski–Krastanov growth mode of strained semiconductor systems as used, e.g., for quantum dot lasers. Because of the broad range of materials where this effect occurs we adopt an approach via a simple kinetic Monte Carlo simulation. The formation of regular arrays of equally sized quantum dots is explained by the nonlinear interplay of deposition and surface diffusion, and the strain field.