Quantum dots heterostructure lasers: state-of-the-art and future prospects

Quantum Dot (QD) heterostructures are nanoscale coherent insertions of narrow gap material in a single-crystalline matrix. These tiny structures provide unique opportunities to modify and extend all the basic principles of heterostructure lasers and move further their applications. Despite of its early age, QD lasers already demonstrate the capability to compete in some applications with more traditional heterostructure lasers based on quantum wells (QWs).