Manipulation of electronic states in single quantum dots by micromachined air-bridge

A method to manipulate the quantum states of single self-assembled quantum dots via strain was studied. A micromachined air-bridge with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) was fabricated, in which quantum dots were embedded. The air-bridge was deformed by electrostatic force, which produced additional strain on the dots to modify the confining potential. The controls of the energy levels and the polarization of single dots will help to develop the quantum information technology encoding information on the polarization of single photons.