In this submission, we discuss the growth of charge-controllable GaAs quantum dots embedded in an n-i-p diode structure, from the perspective of a molecular beam epitaxy grower. The QDs show no blinking and narrow linewidths. We show that the parameters used led to a bimodal growth mode of QDs resulting from low arsenic surface coverage. We identify one of the modes as that showing good properties found in previous work. As the morphology of the fabricated QDs does not hint at outstanding properties, we attribute the good performance of this sample to the low impurity levels in the matrix material and the ability of n- and p-doped contact regions to stabilize the charge state. We present the challenges met in characterizing the sample with ensemble photoluminescence spectroscopy caused by the photonic structure used. We show two straightforward methods to overcome this hurdle and gain insight into QD emission properties.
Semiconductor self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) have garnered immense attention for their potential in various quantum technologies and photonics applications. Here, we explore a novel approach for fine-tuning the emission wavelength of QDs by building upon the indium flush growth method: Submonolayer variations in the capping thickness reveal a non-monotonic progression, where the emission energy can decrease even though the capping thickness decreases. indium flush, a well-known technique for inducing blue shifts in quantum dot emissions, involves the partial capping of QDs with GaAs followed by a temperature ramp-up. However, our findings reveal that the capping layer roughness, stemming from fractional monolayers during overgrowth, plays a pivotal role in modulating the emission energy of these QDs. We propose increased indium interdiffusion between the QDs and the surrounding GaAs capping layer for a rough surface surrounding the QD as the driving mechanism. This interdiffusion alters the indium content within the QDs, resulting in an additional emission energy shift, counterintuitive to the capping layer’s thickness increase. We utilize photoluminescence spectroscopy to generate wafer maps depicting the emission spectrum of the QDs. Using thickness gradients, we produce systematic variations in the capping layer thickness on 3″ wafers, resulting in modulations of the emission energy of up to 26 meV.