Theory of quantum dot spin lasers

We formulate a model of a semiconductor quantum dot laser with injection of spin-polarized electrons. As compared to higher-dimensionality structures, the quantum dot based active region is known to improve laser properties, including the spin-related ones. The wetting layer, from which carriers are captured into the active region, acts as an intermediate level that strongly influences the lasing operation. The finite capture rate leads to an increase in lasing thresholds and to saturation of emitted light at higher injection. In spite of these issues, the advantageous threshold reduction, resulting from spin injection, can be preserved. The “spin-filtering” effect, i.e., circularly polarized emission at even modest spin polarization of injection, remains present as well. Our rate-equations description allows to obtain analytical results and provides transparent guidance for improvement of spin lasers. ©2010 The American Physical Society