Quantum dots (QDs) and nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted great attention for applications in nano- and opto-electronics, quantum computation, biosensing, and nanomedicine. Three-dimensional electronic confinement can be achieved based on lateral or vertical QDs in a two-dimensional electron gas, by strain-induced QDs, or by colloidal NCs. In this chapter, we will focus on tunneling spectroscopy on semiconductor QDs and NCs. First, in Sect. 8.2, we will provide a brief introduction on the electronic structure and single-particle wavefunctions of QDs and NCs. Section 8.3 will be dedicated to the fundamentals of electron transport through QDs and NCs: tunneling spectroscopy,Coulomb blockade, shell-tunneling, and shell-filling spectroscopy. In Sects. 8.4 and 8.5, we will report on the status of research in scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy applied to semiconductor QDs and NCs. Key results and recent research directions on wavefunction mapping of individual electronic confinement states will be highlighted. Finally, we will draw conclusions in Sect. 8.6.
Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy of Semiconductor Quantum Dots and Nanocrystals
MARUCCIO, Giuseppe;
2010-01-01
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) and nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted great attention for applications in nano- and opto-electronics, quantum computation, biosensing, and nanomedicine. Three-dimensional electronic confinement can be achieved based on lateral or vertical QDs in a two-dimensional electron gas, by strain-induced QDs, or by colloidal NCs. In this chapter, we will focus on tunneling spectroscopy on semiconductor QDs and NCs. First, in Sect. 8.2, we will provide a brief introduction on the electronic structure and single-particle wavefunctions of QDs and NCs. Section 8.3 will be dedicated to the fundamentals of electron transport through QDs and NCs: tunneling spectroscopy,Coulomb blockade, shell-tunneling, and shell-filling spectroscopy. In Sects. 8.4 and 8.5, we will report on the status of research in scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy applied to semiconductor QDs and NCs. Key results and recent research directions on wavefunction mapping of individual electronic confinement states will be highlighted. Finally, we will draw conclusions in Sect. 8.6.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
