Arrays of quantum dots (QDs), i.e., semiconducting nanoparticles with typical sizes of 3&madsh;10 nm, have become more than merely an object of scientific research; they are now used in electronic devices. They are appealing mainly due to their optical properties, which depend on the QD size. Here, we consider the electronic properties of such arrays. These properties typically inherit the properties of bulk semiconductors, but in some cases can be substantially different due to the discreteness of sizes and a particular type of disorder in the array: the difference in size and spacing among QDs, as well as the number of donors. Notably, in such arrays, the metal—dielectric transition occurs at a much higher concentration of donors than in the bulk material. The nature of hopping conductivity in the dielectric phase strongly depends on the disorder type, quantum confinement effects, the Coulomb blockade, and the overlap integral of QDs.

Keywords: quantum dot, nanoparticle, quantum confinement, electron transport, metal—insulator transition, Coulomb interaction, Coulomb blockade PACS: 71.30.+h, 72.10.−d, 72.15.Rn, 72.20.Ee, 72.80.Ng, 73.21.La, 73.22.−f, 73.23.Hk, 73.40.Gk, 81.07.Bc (all) DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.2019.08.038649 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2020/10/c/ 000604419100003 2-s2.0-85099885694 2020PhyU...63..994R Citation: Reich K V "Conductivity of quantum dot arrays" Phys. Usp. 63 994–1014 (2020) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Received: 4th, July 2019, revised: 25th, August 2019, accepted: 28th, August 2019 Оригинал: Рейх К В «Электропроводность массива квантовых точек» УФН 190 1062–1084 (2020); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.2019.08.038649