1. Introduction to photonic quantum dot nanomaterials and devices. 1.1. Physical properties of quantum dots. 1.2. Active semiconductor gain media. 1.3. Quantum dot lasers. 1.4. Laser cavities -- 2. Theory of quantum dot light-matter dynamics. 2.1. Rate equations. 2.2. Maxwell-Bloch equations. 2.3. Quantum luminescence equations. 2.4. Quantum theoretical description -- 3. Light meets matter I: microscopic carrier effect. 3.1. Dynamics in the active charge carrier plasma. 3.2. Dynamic level hole burning. 3.3. Ultrashort nonlinear gain and index dynamics. 3.4. Conclusion -- 4. Light meets matter II: mesoscopic space-time dynamics. 4.1. Introduction: transverse and longitudinal mode dynamics. 4.2. Influence of the transverse degree of freedom and nano-structuring on nearfield dynamics and spectra. 4.3. Longitudinal modes. 4.4. Coupled space-time dynamics. 4.5. Conclusion -- 5. Performance and characterisation: properties on large time and length scales. 5.1. Introduction. 5.2. Spatial and spectral beam quality. 5.3. Dynamic amplitude phase coupling. 5.4. Conclusion -- 6. Nonlinear pulse propagation in semiconductor quantum dot lasers. 6.1. Dynamic shaping of short optical pulses. 6.2. Nonlinear femtosecond dynamics. 6.3. Conclusion -- 7. High-speed dynamics. 7.1. Mode-locking in multi-section quantum dot lasers. 7.2. Dependence of pulse duration on injection current, bias voltage and device geometry. 7.3. Radio frequency spectra of the emitted light. 7.4. Short-pulse optimisation. 7.5. Conclusion -- 8. Quantum dot random lasers. 8.1. Spatially inhomogeneous semiconductor quantum dot ensembles. 8.2. Coherence properties. 8.3. Random lasing in semiconductor quantum dot ensembles. 8.4. Conclusion -- 9. Coherence properties of quantum dot micro-cavity lasers. 9.1. Introduction. 9.2. Radial signal propagation and coherence trapping. 9.3. Influence of disorder. 9.4. Conclusions

Quantum dots as nanomaterials have been extensively investigated in the past several decades from growth to characterization to applications. As the basis of future developments in the field, this book collects a series of state-of-the-art chapters on the current status of quantum dot devices and how these devices take advantage of quantum features. Written by 56 leading experts from 14 countries, the chapters cover numerous quantum dot applications, including lasers, LEDs, detectors, amplifiers, switches, transistors, and solar cells. Quantum Dot Devices is appropriate for researchers of all levels of experience with an interest in epitaxial and/or colloidal quantum dots. It provides the beginner with the necessary overview of this exciting field and those more experienced with a comprehensive reference source.

This book introduces the wider field of functional nanomaterials sciences, with a strong emphasis on semiconductor photonics. Whether you are studying photonic quantum devices or just interested in semiconductor nanomaterials and their benefits for optoelectronic applications, this book offers you a pedagogical overview of the relevant subjects along with topical reviews. The book discusses different yet complementary studies in the context of ongoing international research efforts, delivering examples from both fundamental and applied research to a broad readership. In addition, a hand-full of useful optical techniques for the characterization of semiconductor quantum structures and materials are addressed. Moreover, nanostructuring methods for the production of low-dimensional systems, which exhibit advantageous properties predominantly due to quantum effects, are summarized. Science and engineering professionals in the interdisciplinary domains of nanotechnology, photonics, materials sciences, and quantum physics can familiarize themselves with selected highlights with eyes towards photonic applications in the fields of two-dimensional materials research, light–matter interactions, and quantum technologies.

The first nonlinear optical effect was observed in the 19th century by John Kerr. Nonlinear optics, however, started to grow up only after the invention of the laser, when intense light sources became easily available. The seminal studies by Peter Franken and Nicolaas Bloembergen, in the 1960s, paved the way for the development of today’s nonlinear photonics, the field of research that encompasses all the studies, designs, and implementations of nonlinear optical devices that can be used for the generation, communication, and processing of information. This field has attracted significant attention, partly due to the great potential of exploiting the optical nonlinearities of new or advanced materials to induce new phenomena and achieve new functions. According to Clarivate Web of Science, almost 200,000 papers were published that refer to the topic “nonlinear optic*”. Over 36,000 papers were published in the last four years (2015–2018) with the same keyword, and over 17,000 used the keyword “nonlinear photonic*”. The present Special Issue of Micromachines aims at reviewing the current state of the art and presenting perspectives of further development. Fundamental and applicative aspects are considered, with special attention paid to hot topics that may lead to technological and scientific breakthroughs.

Ultrafast photonics has become an interdisciplinary topic of high international research interest because of the spectacular development of compact and efficient lasers producing optical pulses with durations in the femtosecond time domain. Present day long-haul telecommunications systems are almost entirely based on the transmission of short burst

In the last two decades, semiconductor quantum dots—small colloidal nanoparticles—have garnered a great deal of scientific interest because of their unique properties. Among nanomaterials, CdTe holds special technological importance as the only known II–VI material that can form conventional p–n junctions. This makes CdTe very important for the development of novel optoelectronic devices such as light-emitting diodes, solar cells, and lasers. Moreover, the demand for water-compatible light emitters and the most common biological buffers give CdTe quantum dots fields a veritable edge in biolabeling and bioimaging. Cadmium Telluride Quantum Dots: Advances and Applications focuses on CdTe quantum dots and addresses their synthesis, assembly, optical properties, and applications in biology and medicine. It makes for a very informative reading for anyone involved in nanotechnology and will also benefit those scientists who are looking for a comprehensive account on the current state of quantum dot–related research.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.