Consequences of space dependence of effective mass in quantum dots

We propose a semi-analytical model for the quantum dots spectra that accoun ts for the space dependence of electron (hole) effective mass and the effec tive mass anisotropy of the dot material and of the surrounding matrix. Thi s dependence and anisotropy significantly affect the position of the quantu m levels. Our analysis shows that quantum dot spectra are relatively insens itive to the exact shape of the quantum dots. The model is verified by the comparison with the previously reported numerical calculations of the InAs quantum dot spectra. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.