Carrier hopping in InAs/AlyGa1−yAs quantum dot heterostructures: effects on optical and laser properties

The optical properties of InAs/AlyGa1−yAs self-assembled quantum dots are studied as a function of temperature from 10 K to room temperature. The temperature dependence of carrier hopping between dots is discussed in terms of the depth of the dot confinement potential and the dispersion in dot size and composition. We show that carrier hopping between dots influences both the electrical and optical properties of laser devices having dots as active medium.