Master-equation model of a single-quantum-dot microsphere laser

We present a theoretical model for the electrically pumped single-quantum-dot microsphere laser. We solve the master equation of the system and analyze the steady state and dynamical properties of the optical field, such as output power, photon number fluctuation, and linewidth, for realistic experimental parameters. The laser threshold power is several orders of magnitude lower than is currently possible with semiconductor microlasers. A semiclassical approximation for the output power and laser linewidth is derived and compared to the exact solution. Electrical pumping together with Coulomb blockade effect allows for the realization of regular pumping in the system. We discuss the possibility for the generation of heralded single photons and of sub-Poissonian laser light. @S1050-2947~99!05506-7#