Quantum dots: paradigm changes in semiconductor physics

Deposition of one to a few monolayers of a semiconductor having a lattice constant largely dierent from the underlying substrate leads to formation of coherent quantum dot arrays of densities beyond 1011 cm−2 in a matter of seconds. Self-organisation eects govern their massively parallel formation. Fundamental paradigms of semiconductor physics have to be changed in describing such quantum dots or their ensembles. 1