SFB 296 III-IV: Correlation and Relaxation in Quantum Dots

The project aims at a theoretical investigation of quantum dots (QD) considered as model systems with a few fermionic degrees of freedom. Coulomb-bound few particle systems as excitons, trions, and biexcitons will be investigated with emphasis on their linear and nonlinear optical properties. The relaxation of excited states via phonon emission will be studied, and a contribution to the highly controversial issue of the 'phonon bottleneck' will be seeked. Starting with highly simplified model systems, the research will include localized QDs in rough quantum wells as well as in patterned and/or selforganized samples. The critical interpretation of experimental spectra, in particular using near-field optics, will form a central part of the project.