Small size, high density, dislocation-free and vertical ordering Ge se
lf-organized quantum dots are observed. The quantum dots size dependen
ce of exciton energy and exciton binding energy agree well with the th
eoretical calculation, which suggest the indirect-to-direct conversion
. The characteristic of absorption indicates directly direct optical t
ransition. The tunnelling of carriers between these quantum dots is al
so observed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.