| Self-assembled quantum dot (QD) grown by molecular beam epitaxy implements the ultimate quantum confined structure in the solid-state. Because electrons are confined in all three dimensions, QDs have shown delta-function-like energy dependence of the density of states. The identification of QDs as artificial atoms has been proven by the observation of fundamental exciton emission with perfect photon antibunching and with a linewidth limited by spontaneous emission. As artificial atoms that can be monolithically integrated with other functional devices in the setting of semiconductor technology, QDs have been the source of inspiration of several novel quantum devices. Nonetheless, QD self-assemble on random nucleation sites, whereas many proposals require precise positioning of a single QD.; In this thesis, two new elements of design and control for coupling single QDs to single nanostructure will be presented: (i) a technique to control ab-initio the site nucleation of a single QD and (ii) a deterministic approach to the coupling of single QDs to single nanocavity modes.; Chapter 1 is dedicated to a theoretical overview of the QD system, first, as a solid-state heterostructure that confines electrons and, second, as an artificial atom interacting with confined photons. Chapter 2 presents a technique to grow highly ordered QD arrays by engineering subsurface periodic strain templates. This technique achieved almost perfect registering of single QDs into a two-dimensional lattice. In Chapter 3 a deterministic approach to the realization of solid-state cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) systems is demonstrated. Based on a precise spatial and spectral matching between a single QD and a PC microcavity, this approach yielded cavity QED effects (such as Purcell effect) in all fabricated nanostructures. |
