Spectroscopy of individual quantum structures with low-temperature near field optical microscopy

A low temperature Near Field Scanning Optical Microscope (NSOM) has been built and operated to study the optical properties of individual quantum structures. Near field spectroscopy of modulation doped quantum dots is performed and spectra of a single dot is obtained. Spectral maps of 100nm quantum wires resolve a well defined region where emission from the n=2 quantum confined state is enhanced. This effect is attributed to local strain in the sample.