Reshaping the optical properties of quantum dots via strain and electric fields

We introduce a new class of quantum dot-based devices, in which the semiconductor structures are integrated on top of piezoelectric actuators. This combination allows us on one hand to study in detail the effects produced by variable strains (up to about 0.2%) on the excitonic emission of single quantum dots and on the other to manipulate their electronic- and optical properties to achieve specific requirements for their use in quantum optics experiments and possibly future devices for quantum communication.