Significant energy relaxation of quantum dot emitted hot electrons

Abstract

Mesoscopic quantum dots (QDs) are ubiquitous in quantum devices as reliable sources of hot electrons. However, we have observed an unexpectedly significant energy relaxation of QD-emitted hot electrons up to approximate to 55% of its excitation <= 1.5 meV from the Fermi level. The energetics of hot electrons were obtained through transverse magnetic focusing over a few microns using both QD and quantum point contact (QPC) emitters. Unlike the QPC counterparts, QD emissions deviated substantially from Fermi gas predictions-the focusing peak appeared at lower magnetic fields, and excessive broadening was observed. The phenomenon was modeled by a capacitive interaction transferring energy from the hot electron to the QD. Model simulations reproduced the key experimental features, implying the presence of a strong yet overlooked relaxation mechanism that is intrinsic to QD emissions. Our observation calls for the prudent use of QDs as single electron sources.