Basic Research on Self-Assembled Quantum Dots and Their Potential in Solar Cells and Devices Applications

摘要

Self-assembled quantum dots by MBE (Molecular Beam Epitaxy) are examined as a structure of solar cells and other novel nanoelectronic devices. Zero-dimensionality of quantum dot gives rise to certain unique properties: charge storage and single-electron transport due to Coulomb blockade. The devices have low energy consumption and high speed operation due to quantized states inherent in quantum dot structure. Basic research on self-assembled quantum dots is detailed to understand the growth mechanisms and the electrical properties of the quantum dots so as to realize practical engineering applications like quantum dot solar cells, quantum dot lasers and single electron devices for quantum computing. The uniqueness of quantum dot solar cells is the possibility that they possess charge storage function, in addition to their electricity generating capability. Multi-stack with well controlled dot size is the key approach to be adopted throughout the research. Self- assembled quantum dots are very practical in engineering point of view. Another basic research would be the ordering of self-assembled quantum dots, which is an important requirement for many nanoelectronic devices.