InAs quantum dots: artificial atoms for solid-state cavity-quantum electrodynamics

Spontaneous emission (SE) control in the solid state has been extensively studied for about 10 years as a route toward optoelectronic devices with improved properties or novel functionalities. Thanks to their atom-like emission and to their relatively large oscillator strength, InGaAs/GaAs semiconductor quantum boxes (QBs) open revolutionary opportunities for the application of the concepts of cavity quantum electrodynamics in monolithic microcavities. Such emitters experience in particular a very large enhancement of their spontaneous emission rate (Purcell effect) when inserted in high Q/low volume micropillars (×5) or microdisks (×15). This result opens unique opportunities for the development of solid-state photon guns, able to emit single-photon pulses in a deterministic way. QBs in microdisks should also allow in the near future to achieve a strong coupling regime for a single solid-state emitter.