Sharp-line electroluminescence from individual quantum dots by resonant tunneling injection of carriers

Abstract

We report sharp electroluminescence lines from individual self-assembled InAs quantum dots (QDs) excited by resonant tunneling injection of carriers from the n- and p-doped GaAs layers of a p-i-n diode. Bias-tunable tunneling of carriers into the dots provides a means of controlling injection and light emission from a small number of individual dots within a large ensemble. We also show that the extent of carrier energy relaxation prior to recombination can be controlled by tailoring the morphology of the QD layer.