Will Quantum Dots Replace Quantum Wells As the Active Medium of Choice in Future Semiconductor Lasers?

The lasing capabilities and limitations of quantum dots are assessed using a first-principles theory with a rigorous treatment of relevant physics and without the free parameters plaguing predictive capabilities in usual gain calculations. Our results reveal quantitatively the extent the reduced threshold advantage is confronted with a larger sensitivity to saturation effects. Added to this intrinsic constraint is the present experimental performance limitation arising from inhomogeneous broadening due to growth fluctuations.