Optical transitions in self-assembled quantum dots

We consider a quantum-dot (QD) with semispherical geometry as a model for self-assembled QDs of the InAs/GaAs prototype. The analytical solution of the Schrodinger equation is performed assuming complete confinement for the conduction electron (wavefunction equal to zero on the QD surface). For a radiation field incident along the symmetry axis (the z-axis), we calculate the matrix elements of the electron-radiation interaction in the dipole approximation. The selection rules for the optical transitions are obtained and the oscillator strengths for dipole-allowed transitions are reported. A detailed discussion of the obtained results is also included. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.