Artificial Atoms in Magnetic Field: Electronic and Optical Properties

Abstract

Quantum dots semiconductor heterostructures exhibit optical and electronic properties similar to those of real atoms, due to the delta like dispersion of the density of states. The study of the optical and electronic properties of artificial atoms in high magnetic fields allows the observation of quantum effects typical of the atomic physics. In this work we review the problem of artificial atoms in magnetic fields starting from the single-particle theory up to the problems encountered in the observation of correlation effects when two or more carriers are confined in the dot. The main experiments elucidating the change of the optical and electronic properties of artifical atoms in magnetic fields are also reviewed.