Cavity QED effects with single quantum dots

A single quantum dot embedded in a photonic crystal defect cavity allows for the investigation of cavity quantum electrodynamics effects in a solid-state environment. We present experiments demonstrating the quantum nature of this fundamental system in the strong coupling regime. Photon correlation measurements are used to characterize the fundamental properties of this unique system: through these experiments, we identify an unexpected, efficient sustaining mechanism that ensures strong cavity emission and is quantum correlated with the exciton resonance, even when all the quantum dot resonances are far detuned from the cavity mode. To cite this article: A. Badolato et al., C. R. Physique 9 (2008).