Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 March 2011
InAs quantum dots were grown on GaAs substrates at various coverages and capped after varying the time of growth interruption. The evolution of this system was examined by correlating photoluminescence and transmission electron microscopy measurements. Results show for the first time the growth interruption to be a critical factor in generating defect-free quantum dot ensembles at coverages well above established metalorganic chemical vapor deposition coverage window for defect-free, Stranski-Krastanow self-organized growth. In addition, our results also support the absence of a stable, dislocation free 3D state and that the chemical potential eventually drives the system towards dislocated quantum dot clusters.