The role of geometry in tailoring the linear and nonlinear optical properties of semiconductor quantum dots

Abstract

The paper aims to reveal the relationship between the geometrical features and linear and nonlinear optical properties of InAs quantum dots (QDs). This problem is justified by the extreme variety offered by the recent advances in growth techniques tailored to the attainment of QDs and nanostructures with virtually any shape. To that end, the Finite Element Method in conjunction with the Effective Mass Approximation and Envelope Function Approximation was employed to solve the one-particle eigenproblems in domains with any complex geometries. The paper explores nanoplatelets, spherical QDs, nanocones, nanorods, nanotadpoles, and nanostars. It has been found that there is a clear correlation between the complexity and symmetry of the QDs and their linear and nonlinear absorption spectra for transitions between the electronic ground state and the first three excited states.