Self-organized growth of three-dimensional quantum-dot superlattices

The self-organization of three-dimensional quantum-dot superlattices that spontaneously form during heteroepitaxial growth is investigated by using a three-dimensional kinetic model. The model predictions show that the multilayer arrays of quantum dots can be fully or partially aligned vertically, or completely misaligned with respect to the buried islands, depending on the thickness of the spacer layer and the growth interruption time. In particular, there is a growth window in which a nearly uniform and regular array of dots is arranged in a squared lattice with an alternating stacking sequence; namely, the A-B-A-B stacking sequence.