Surface exchange and shape transitions of PbSe quantum dots during overgrowth

Epitaxial overgrowth of PbSe quantum dots is shown to drastically affect their shape and composition due to anion exchange reactions. As shown by scanning tunneling microscopy, for PbTe capping layers this results in a complete truncation of the dots. Introduction of EuTe into the cap layer leads to an effective suppression of the anion exchange process. This preserves the original dot pyramids and induces a large stress concentration on the surface which further alters the overgrowth process.