Nonradiative resonance energy transfer in the quantum dot system

Abstract Microscopic theory of the nonradiative resonance energy transfer between semiconductor quantum dots is elaborated. The energy transfer due to both direct Coulomb and due to exchange interactions between two quantum dots is considered. An analysis of energy transfer process is performed accordingly the Kane model. For the exchange energy transfer the detailed analytical consideration is performed for the first time. The energy transfer rate is analyzed both in the weak-interaction and strong-interaction approximation. The numerical calculations showed that at nearly contact distances between two quantum dots the rate of the energy transfer due to the direct Coulomb interaction, as well as due to exchange interaction, can reach saturation. At the small distances, these two contributions can be of the same order, and have the same value in the saturation range. It is revealed that the exchange energy transfer should be taken into consideration in qualitative description of the energy transfer at small distances between the quantum dots. In particular, it may be of importance for investigation of the structure and dynamics of biomolecules and their complexes, and consideration of the energy transfer in densely packed thin QD films.