We used low-temperature continuous wave and time-resolved optical spec
troscopy together with near-field scanning optical microscopy for the
studies of multiple and single. nanometer dimension, cleaved edge over
grown strained quantum wires. We measured the radiative lifetime, pola
rization selection rules and absorption strength of the cleaved edge q
uantum wells and quantum wires and compared between them. Our experime
ntal results are discussed in terms of the relevant theories.