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Hidden symmetries in the energy levels of excitonic ‘artificial atoms’

Author

Listed:
  • M. Bayer

    (Technische Physik, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland)

  • O. Stern

    (Technische Physik, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland)

  • P. Hawrylak

    (Technische Physik, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland
    Institute for Microstructural Science, National Research Council of Canada)

  • S. Fafard

    (Institute for Microstructural Science, National Research Council of Canada)

  • A. Forchel

    (Technische Physik, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland)

Abstract

Quantum dots1,2,3,4,5,6,7 or ‘artificial atoms’ are of fundamental and technological interest—for example, quantum dots8,9 may form the basis of new generations of lasers. The emission in quantum-dot lasers originates from the recombination of excitonic complexes, so it is important to understand the dot's internal electronic structure (and of fundamental interest to compare this to real atomic structure). Here we investigate artificial electronic structure by injecting optically a controlled number of electrons and holes into an isolated single quantum dot. The charge carriers form complexes that are artificial analogues of hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, boron and carbon excitonic atoms. We observe that electrons and holes occupy the confined electronic shells in characteristic numbers according to the Pauli exclusion principle. In each degenerate shell, collective condensation of the electrons and holes into coherent many-exciton ground states takes place; this phenomenon results from hidden symmetries (the analogue of Hund's rules for real atoms) in the energy function that describes the multi-particle system. Breaking of the hidden symmetries leads to unusual quantum interferences in emission involving excited states.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Bayer & O. Stern & P. Hawrylak & S. Fafard & A. Forchel, 2000. "Hidden symmetries in the energy levels of excitonic ‘artificial atoms’," Nature, Nature, vol. 405(6789), pages 923-926, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:405:y:2000:i:6789:d:10.1038_35016020
    DOI: 10.1038/35016020
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