Spin-Related Spectroscopy of CdTe-Based Quantum Dots

This work contains a selection of our recent experimental results in the field of the spin-related spectroscopy of individual CdTe-based quantum dots. After a short description of the sample growth and experimental methods, optical measurements of the charge state dynamics are presented. Then the influence of in-plane anisotropy of the excitonic states of a quantum dot is discussed, followed by a description of experimental studies of information read-out and writing on quantum dot spin states. In particular, spin memory of a single $Mn^{++}$ ion embedded in a CdTe quantum dot is quantitatively assessed. In an outlook part, perspectives opened by recently developed ZnTe lattice-matched Bragg reflectors are discussed.