The influence of the quantum dot (QD) asymmetry on the emission of one and
two exciton states in the same single QD has been studied. A unified experi
mental and theoretical picture of the impact of electron-hole exchange inte
raction on the fine structure and the polarization properties of optical tr
ansitions in QDs with C-2v symmetry is obtained. The relaxation time betwee
n bright exciton levels has been found to be much longer than exciton lifet
ime.