Geometrical Effects on the Optical Properties of Quantum Dots Doped with a Single Magnetic Atom

The emission spectra of individual self-assembled quantum dots containing a single magnetic Mn atom differ strongly from dot to dot. The differences are explained by the influence of the system geometry, specifically the in-plane asymmetry of the quantum dot and the position of the Mn atom. Depending on both these parameters, one has different characteristic emission features which either reveal or hide the spin state of the magnetic atom. The observed behavior in both zero field and under magnetic field can be explained quantitatively by the interplay between the exciton-manganese exchange interaction (dependent on the Mn position) and the anisotropic part of the electron-hole exchange interaction (related to the asymmetry of the quantum dot).