Colloidal III–V quantum dots: a synthetic perspective

Colloidal transition-metal-doped ZnO quantum dots.

Methods for introducing new magnetic, optical, electronic, photophysical, or photochemical properties to semiconductor nanocrystals are attracting intense applications-oriented interest. In this communication, we report the preparation and electronic absorption spectroscopy of colloidal ZnO DMS-QDs. Our synthetic procedure involves modification of literature methods known to yield highly crysta...

Photoluminescence upconversion in colloidal CdTe quantum dots

Efficient photoluminescence ~PL! up-conversion has been observed in colloidal CdTe quantum dots with an energy gain of as high as 360 meV. Compared with the normal PL, the peak energy of this up-converted PL ~UCPL! shows a redshift of about 80 meV, and the corresponding radiative lifetime becomes nearly twice as long. This UCPL is attributed to the carrier recombination involving surface states...

Lasing from colloidal InP/ZnS quantum dots.

High-quality InP/ZnS core-shell nanocrystal quantum dots (NQDs) were synthesized as a heavy-metal-free alternative to the gain media of cadmium-based colloidal nanoparticles. Upon UV excitation, amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and optical gain were observed, for the first time, in close-packed InP/ZnS core-shell NQDs. The ASE wavelength can be selected by tailoring the nanocrystal size ove...

Exciton Dynamics in InSb Colloidal Quantum Dots.

Extraordinarily fast biexciton decay times and unexpectedly large optical gaps are two striking features observed in InSb colloidal quantum dots that have remained so far unexplained. The former, should its origin be identified as an Auger recombination process, would have important implications regarding carrier multiplication efficiency, suggesting these nanostructures as potentially ideal ac...

Colloidal quantum dots: synthesis, properties and applications