Quantum dots in optical nanocavities are interesting as a test-bed for fundamental studies of light–matter interaction (cavity quantum electrodynamics, QED), as well as an integrated platform for information processing. As a result of the strong field localization inside sub-cubic-wavelength volumes, these dots enable very large emitter–field interaction strengths. In addition to their use in the study of new regimes of cavity QED, they can also be employed to build devices for quantum information processing, such as ultrafast quantum gates, non-classical light sources, and spin–photon interfaces. Beside quantum information systems, many classical information processing devices, such as lasers and modulators, benefit greatly from the enhanced light–matter interaction in such structures. This chapter gives an introduction to quantum dots, photonic crystal resonators, cavity QED, and quantum optics on this platform, as well as possible device applications.
Quantum optics with quantum dots