Excitons in quantum-ring structures in a magnetic field: optical properties and persistent currents

We study theoretically the magnetic-field effect on a neutral, but polarizable exciton confined in quantum-ring structures. For excitons with a nonzero dipole moment, a novel magnetic interference effect occurs: The ground state of an exciton confined in a finite-width quantum ring possesses a nonzero angular momentum with increasing normal magnetic field. This effect is accompanied by a suppression of the photoluminescence in well-defined magnetic-field intervals. The magnetic interference effect is calculated for type-II quantum dots and quantum rings. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.