Cavity-quantum electrodynamics using a single InAs quantum dot in a microdisk structure

We investigate cavity-quantum electrodynamics (QED) effects in an all-semic onductor nanostructure by tuning a single self-assembled InAs quantum dot ( QD) into resonance with a high quality factor microdisk whispering gallery mode (WGM). The stronger temperature dependence of the QD single-exciton (1 X) resonance allows us to change the relative energy of the WGM and the 1X transitions by varying the sample temperature. The two coupled resonances e xhibit crossing behavior due to the weak coupling cavity-QED regime. We dem onstrate exciton lifetime reduction by 6 due to the Purcell effect by tunin g the QD into resonance with the WGM. Our experiments also show that single -exciton lifetime is independent of temperature up to 50 K. (C) 2001 Americ an Institute of Physics.