Effect of size asymmetry of QDs on splitting of hybrid valence band states

The off-diagonal element of the Luttinger Hamiltonian responsible for the coupling of heavy hole–light hole states has been calculated for symmetric/asymmetric semiconductor quantum dots. It has been found that the splitting arising due to finite off-diagonal elements of the Luttinger Hamiltonian and the size asymmetry of the quantum dot is counterbalanced. The numerical estimates made for CdSe/ZnSe quantum dot manifest minimal energy splitting when the size asymmetry parameter is around 0.3.

The off-diagonal element of the Luttinger Hamiltonian responsible for the coupling of heavy hole–light hole states has been calculated for symmetric/asymmetric semiconductor quantum dots. It has been found that the splitting arising due to off-diagonal elements of the Luttinger Hamiltonian and the size asymmetry of the quantum dot is counterbalanced. Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Using envelope function approximation, hybrid valence band splitting in asymmetric QD is observed.
► The off-diagonal element is calculated for symmetric/asymmetric semiconductor quantum dots.
► Splitting due to quantum dot size asymmetry sets against the intrinsic splitting.
► Numerical estimates for CdSe/ZnSe QD manifest minimal energy splitting at A=0.3.