Abstract: In 1981, in parallel with reports by Soviet researchers on the discovery of nanoparticles/ colloidal quantum dots (QDs), we proposed in Japan the concept of three-dimensionally quantum-confined semiconductor heterostructures (i.e., QDs). This concept, conceived as an extension of semiconductor nanophysics that had evolved from semiconductor superlattices, was accompanied by our theoretical prediction of the temperature insensitivity of the threshold current, thereby pointing to their potential application to lasers. Over the following decades, QDs have become firmly established as fundamental nanostructures in both photonics and electronics. Among their many applications, QD lasers represent the first practical quantum devices to fully harness the discrete nature of electronic energy states. Today, QDs extend their impact beyond conventional optoelectronics, contributing to the development of frontier quantum technologies such as quantum computing and quantum communication. In this presentation, we review recent advances in QD lasers as indispensable light sources for silicon photonics and highlight realizing high-quality QD-based single-photon sources for quantum-integrated photonic systems.

Biography: Yasuhiko Arakawa received his Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo in 1980 and has served as Professor since 1993, currently holding the position of Specially Appointed Professor at the Institute for Nano Quantum Information Electronics, The University of Tokyo and Professor Emeritous, The University of Tokyo. He proposed the concept of the quantum dot in 1981-2 and pioneered quantum dot lasers, achieving the first experimental demonstration of their temperature insensitivity in 2004. His internationally recognized contributions include advances in quantum photonic devices such as single quantum dot lasers, single-photon sources, and exciton–photon polaritons. He also serves as Technical Advisor to QD Laser, Inc., driving new applications and broader deployment of quantum dot technologies. He is also a foreign meber of US National Acadmy of Engineering.