Integral and local density of states of InAs quantum dots in GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure observed by ballistic electron emission spectroscopy near one-electron ground state

Density of states is studied by a ballistic electron emission microscopy/spectroscopy on self-assembled InAs quantum dots embedded in GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure prepared by metal–organic vapor phase epitaxy. An example of integral quantum dot density of states which is proportional to superposition of a derivative of ballistic current–voltage characteristics measured at every pixel (1.05 nm×1.05 nm) of quantum dot is presented. For the two lowest observed energy levels of quantum dot (the maxima in density of states) the density of states is mapped and correlated with the shape of quantum dot. It was found that prepared quantum dots have a few peaks on their flatter top and a split of the lowest energy level can be observed. This effect can be explained by inhomogeneous (nonuniform) stress distribution in the examined quantum dot.

► Integral density of states is presented for quantum dot by BEEM/BEES. ► Local density of states are mapped around the one-electron ground state. ► Splitting of one-electron ground state is observed depending on the quantum dot shape. ► Splitting is attributed to inhomogeneous stress distribution.