Thermodynamic stability of quantum dots on strained substrates

A quantitative thermodynamic model has been established to investigate the thermodynamic stability of quantum dots (QDs) on strained substrates. It was found that the increase of driving force of QD growth leads to QD with a larger size and wetting layer with a smaller thickness. The theoretical results are not only in good agreement with the experimental observations but also clarify the underlying mechanisms involved in thermodynamic stability of QDs on strained substrates, implying that the thermodynamic model could be expected to be applicable to self-assembly of QDs on strained substrates.