Carrier Dynamics: GaAs Pyramids

Correlations between CW (Continuous Wave) cathodoluminescence maps and the time-resolved cathodoluminescence signal yield information on the carrier dynamics in a semiconductor. Click below for a 60-second movie of carrier dynamics, following single electron excitation of a GaAs based pyramid.

Temporal evolution of carriers in a GaAs pyramid after initial excitation by an electron. The red color indicates the presence of carriers. After 2ns, carriers have diffused towards the quantum wires at the edges of the pyramid and to the vertical quantum wire at the top – Nature 438, 479 (2005).