Nonequilibrium carrier dynamics in self-assembled quantum dots

Self-assembled quantum dots are still one of the best model systems for artificial atoms in a solid-state environment, where the electronic states can be accessed by electrical and optical means. This article focuses on nonequilibrium carrier dynamics in these quantum dots, using the ability of recent developments in electrical and optical spectroscopy techniques. All-electrical transconductance spectroscopy is introduced, where a two-dimensional electron gas serves as a fast and sensitive detector for the electron/hole dynamics and charge/spin state preparation and relaxation in an ensemble of dots. Latest results on single electron tunneling and nonequilibrium Auger recombination in a single quantum dot using a high-resolution optical experiment (the time-resolved resonance fluorescence) are summarized. This article concludes with a perspective view on a future combination of both techniques toward an electro-optical measurement toolbox to link the coherent control of quantum states by optical means with an electrical preparation of electron charge and spin states.Self-assembled quantum dots are still one of the best model systems for artificial atoms in a solid-state environment, where the electronic states can be accessed by electrical and optical means. This article focuses on nonequilibrium carrier dynamics in these quantum dots, using the ability of recent developments in electrical and optical spectroscopy techniques. All-electrical transconductance spectroscopy is introduced, where a two-dimensional electron gas serves as a fast and sensitive detector for the electron/hole dynamics and charge/spin state preparation and relaxation in an ensemble of dots. Latest results on single electron tunneling and nonequilibrium Auger recombination in a single quantum dot using a high-resolution optical experiment (the time-resolved resonance fluorescence) are summarized. This article concludes with a perspective view on a future combination of both techniques toward an electro-optical measurement toolbox to link the coherent control of quantum states by optical means wit...