  Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have been demonstrated to be versatile
candidates to study the fundamentals of light-matter interaction [1-3]. In
contrast with atom optics, dissipative processes are induced by the inherent
coupling to the environment and are typically perceived as a major obstacle
towards stable performances in experiments and applications [4].
  In this paper we show that this is not necessarily the case. In fact, the
memory of the environment can enhance coherent quantum optical effects. In
particular, we demonstrate that the non-Markovian coupling to an incoherent
phonon bath has a stabilizing effect on the coherent QD cavity-quantum
electrodynamics (cQED) by inhibiting irregular oscillations and boosting
regular collapse and revival patterns. For low photon numbers we predict QD
dynamics that deviate dramatically from the well-known atomic Jaynes-Cummings
model. Our proposal opens the way to a systematic and deliberate design of
photon quantum effects via specifically engineered solid-state environments.
