Quantum dots and photonic microcavities: properties and optoelectronic device applications

The properties of quantum dot intersubband lasers and the unique carrier dynamics in the quantum dots that lead to the realization of these long wavelength devices are described. Photons also display unique properties when confined in a cavity whose size is of the order of the wavelength. The properties of a unique electroluminescent light emitter, in which the microcavity is a single defect in a quantum well photonic bandgap (PBG) material, is described.