Electron capture and emission dynamics of self-assembled quantum dots far from equilibrium with the environment

The electron transfer dynamics between self-assembled quantum dots and their environment are measured under non-equilibrium conditions by time-dependent capacitance spectroscopy. The quantum dots are embedded in a wide spacer, which inhibits elastic tunneling to or from the  reservoirs. At certain bias voltages, electron capture and emission are both significant. A rate equation model is used to determine the corresponding transfer rates and the average occupation numbers of the dots as a function of the bias voltage.

The capacitance-voltage characteristics of such systems show hysteretic behavior which can be explained in terms of this rate model and the steady state configuration can be predicted.