Recent developments in the physics and applications of self-assembled quantum dots

Due to their fully quantised electronic states and high radiative efficiencies, self-assembled quantum dots have enabled major new advances in both fundamental physics and in a variety of device applications. This article reviews some of these recent advances, in all cases stressing the importance of the underlying electronic properties in enabling the important steps forward. The advances have been achieved for both large ensembles and for individual quantum dots, stressing the versatility of these systems in opening up a variety of new phenomena. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.