InGaAs quantum dot molecules around self-assembled GaAs nanomound templates

Several distinctive self-assembled InGaAs quantum dot molecules (QDMs) are studied. The QDMs self-assemble around nanoscale-sized GaAs moundlike templates fabricated by droplet homoepitaxy. Depending on the specific InAs monolayer coverage, the number of QDs per GaAs mound ranges from two to six (bi-QDMs to hexa-QDMs). The Ga contribution from the mounds is analyzed in determining the morphologies of the QDMs, with respect to the InAs coverages ranging between 0.8 and 2.4 ML. Optical characterization shows that the resulting nanostructures are high-quality nanocrystals. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.