Fluorescence Anisotropy and Crystal Structure of Individual Semiconductor Nanocrystals

Seeing is believing: Correlating optoelectronic functionality with atomic scale imaging of single semiconductor nanocrystals

A unique on-chip method for the direct correlation of optical properties, with atomic-scale chemical-structural characteristics for a single quantum dot (QD), is developed and utilized in various examples. This is based on performing single QD optical characterization on a modified glass substrate, followed by the extraction of the relevant region of interest by focused-ion-beam-scanning electron microscope processing into a lamella for high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) characterization with atomic scale resolution. The direct correlation of the optical response under an electric field with STEM analysis of the same particle allows addressing several single particle phenomena: first, the direct correlation of single QD photoluminescence (PL) polarization and its response to the external field with the QD crystal lattice alignment, so far inferred indirectly; second, the identification of unique yet rare few-QD assemblies, correlated directly with their special spectroscopic optical characteristics, serving as a guide for future designed assemblies; and third, the study on the effect of metal island growth on the PL behavior of hybrid semiconductor-metal nanoparticles, with relevance for their possible functionality in photocatalysis. This work, therefore, establishes the use of the direct on-chip optical-structural correlation method for numerous scenarios and timely questions in the field of QD research.

Quantum Dot Fluorescent Imaging: Using Atomic Structure Correlation Studies to Improve Photophysical Properties

Efforts to study intricate, higher-order cellular functions have called for fluorescence imaging under physiologically relevant conditions such as tissue systems in simulated native buffers. This endeavor has presented novel challenges for fluorescent probes initially designed for use in simple buffers and monolayer cell culture. Among current fluorescent probes, semiconductor nanocrystals, or quantum dots (QDs), offer superior photophysical properties that are the products of their nanoscale architectures and chemical formulations. While their high brightness and photostability are ideal for these biological environments, even state of the art QDs can struggle under certain physiological conditions. A recent method correlating electron microscopy ultrastructure with single-QD fluorescence has begun to highlight subtle structural defects in QDs once believed to have no significant impact on photoluminescence (PL). Specific defects, such as exposed core facets, have been shown to quench QD PL in physiologically accurate conditions. For QD-based imaging in complex cellular systems to be fully realized, mechanistic insight and structural optimization of size and PL should be established. Insight from single QD resolution atomic structure and photophysical correlative studies provides a direct course to synthetically tune QDs to match these challenging environments.

Band-Edge Energy Levels of Dynamic Excitons in Cube-Shaped CdSe/CdS Core/Shell Nanocrystals

An electron-hole pair in a cube-shaped CdSe/CdS core/shell nanocrystal exists in the form of dynamic excitons across the strongly and weakly confined regimes under ambient temperatures. Photochemical doping is applied to distinguish the band-edge electron and hole levels, confirming an effective mass model with universal constants. Reduction of the optical bandgap upon epitaxy of the CdS shells is caused by lowering the band-edge electron level and barely affecting the band-edge hole level. Similar shifts of the electron levels, yet retaining the hole levels, can switch the order in energy of the three lowest-energy transitions. Thermal distribution of 1-4 electrons among the two thermally accessible electron levels follows number-counting statistics, instead of Fermi-Dirac distribution.

Lasing Action from Quasi-Propagating Modes

Band edges at the high symmetry points in reciprocal space of periodic structures hold special interest in materials engineering for their high density of states. In optical metamaterials, standing waves found at these points have facilitated lasing, bound-states-in-the-continuum, and Bose-Einstein condensation. However, because high symmetry points by definition are localized, properties associated with them are limited to specific energies and wavevectors. Conversely, quasi-propagating modes along the high symmetry directions are predicted to enable similar phenomena over a continuum of energies and wavevectors. Here, quasi-propagating modes in 2D nanoparticle lattices are shown to support lasing action over a continuous range of wavelengths and symmetry-determined directions from a single device. Using lead halide perovskite nanocrystal films as gain materials, lasing is achieved from waveguide-surface lattice resonance (W-SLR) modes that can be decomposed into propagating waves along high symmetry directions, and standing waves in the orthogonal direction that provide optical feedback. The characteristics of the lasing beams are analyzed using an analytical 3D model that describes diffracted light in 2D lattices. Demonstrations of lasing across different wavelengths and lattice designs highlight how quasi-propagating modes offer possibilities to engineer chromatic multibeam emission important in hyperspectral 3D sensing, high-bandwidth Li-Fi communication, and laser projection displays.

Single Photon Source from a Nanoantenna-Trapped Single Quantum Dot

Single photon sources with high brightness and subnanosecond lifetimes are key components for quantum technologies. Optical nanoantennas can enhance the emission properties of single quantum emitters, but this approach requires accurate nanoscale positioning of the source at the plasmonic hotspot. Here, we use plasmonic nanoantennas to simultaneously trap single colloidal quantum dots and enhance their photoluminescence. The nano-optical trapping automatically locates the quantum emitter at the nanoantenna hotspot without further processing. Our dedicated nanoantenna design achieves a high trap stiffness of 0.6 (fN/nm)/mW for quantum dot trapping, together with a relatively low trapping power of 2 mW/μm². The emission from the nanoantenna-trapped single quantum dot shows 7× increased brightness, 50× reduced blinking, 2× shortened lifetime, and a clear antibunching below 0.5 demonstrating true single photon emission. Combining nano-optical tweezers with plasmonic enhancement is a promising route for quantum technologies and spectroscopy of single nano-objects.

Preparation of “pomegranate”-like QD/SiO2/poly(St-co-MAA) fluorescent nanobeads in two steps to improve stability and biocompatibility

Fluorescent nanobeads are widely used due to their advantages of visualization, sensitivity and the quantitative measurement of target analytes.

Cryogenic Correlative Single-Particle Photoluminescence Spectroscopy and Electron Tomography for Investigation of Nanomaterials

Cryogenic single-particle photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy has been used with great success to directly observe the heterogeneous photophysical states present in a population of luminescent particles. Cryogenic electron tomography provides complementary nanometer scale structural information to PL spectroscopy, but the two techniques have not been correlated due to technical challenges. Here, we present a method for correlating single-particle information from these two powerful microscopy modalities. We simultaneously observe PL brightness, emission spectrum, and in-plane excitation dipole orientation of CdSSe/ZnS quantum dots suspended in vitreous ice. Stable and fluctuating emitters were observed, as well as a surprising splitting of the PL spectrum into two bands with an average energy separation of 80 meV. In some cases, the onset of the splitting corresponded to changes in the in-plane excitation dipole orientation. These dynamics were assigned to structures of individual quantum dots and the excitation dipoles were visualized in the context of structural features.

Quantum Dot-Plasmon Lasing with Controlled Polarization Patterns

The tailored spatial polarization of coherent light beams is important for applications ranging from microscopy to biophysics to quantum optics. Miniaturized light sources are needed for integrated, on-chip photonic devices with desired vector beams; however, this issue is unresolved because most lasers rely on bulky optical elements to achieve such polarization control. Here, we report on quantum dot-plasmon lasers with engineered polarization patterns controllable by near-field coupling of colloidal quantum dots to metal nanoparticles. Conformal coating of CdSe-CdS core-shell quantum dot films on Ag nanoparticle lattices enables the formation of hybrid waveguide-surface lattice resonance (W-SLR) modes. The sidebands of these hybrid modes at nonzero wavevectors facilitate directional lasing emission with either radial or azimuthal polarization depending on the thickness of the quantum dot film.

Polarized Single-Particle Quantum Dot Emitters through Programmable Cluster Assembly

Although fluorescence and lifetimes of nanoscale emitters can be manipulated by plasmonic materials, it is harder to control polarization due to strict requirements on emitter environments. An ability to engineer 3D nanoarchitectures with nanoscale precision is needed for controlled polarization of nanoscale emitters. Here, we show that prescribed 3D heterocluster architectures with polarized emission can be successfully assembled from nanoscale fluorescent emitters and metallic nanoparticles using DNA-based self-assembly methods. An octahedral DNA origami frame serves as a programmable scaffold for heterogeneous nanoparticle assembly into prescribed clusters. Internal space and external connections of the frames are programmed to coordinate spherical quantum dots (QDs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into heterocluster architectures through site-specific DNA encodings. We demonstrate and characterize assembly of these architectures using in situ and ex situ structural methods. These cluster nanodevices exhibit polarized light emission with a plasmon-induced dipole along the QD-AuNP nanocluster axis, as observed by single-cluster optical probing. Moreover, emittance properties can be tuned via cluster design. Through a systematic study, we analyzed and established the correlation between cluster architecture, cluster orientation, and polarized emission at a single-emitter level. Excellent correspondence between the optical behavior of these clusters and theoretical predictions was observed. This approach provides the basis for rational creation of single-emitter 3D nanodevices with controllable polarization output using a highly customizable DNA assembly platform.

Fluorescence Anisotropy Reloaded-Emerging Polarization Microscopy Methods for Assessing Chromophores' Organization and Excitation Energy Transfer in Single Molecules, Particles, Films, and Beyond

Fluorescence polarization is widely used to assess the orientation/rotation of molecules, and the excitation energy transfer between closely located chromophores. Emerging since the 1990s, single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging stimulate the application of light polarization for studying molecular organization and energy transfer beyond ensemble averaging. Here, traditional fluorescence polarization and linear dichroism methods used for bulk samples are compared with techniques specially developed for, or inspired by, single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy. Techniques for assessing energy transfer in anisotropic samples, where the traditional fluorescence anisotropy framework is not readily applicable, are discussed in depth. It is shown that the concept of a polarization portrait and the single funnel approximation can lay the foundation for alternative energy transfer metrics. Examples ranging from fundamental studies of photoactive materials (conjugated polymers, light-harvesting aggregates, and perovskite semiconductors) to Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET)-based biomedical imaging are presented. Furthermore, novel uses of light polarization for super-resolution optical imaging are mentioned as well as strategies for avoiding artifacts in polarization microscopy.

Anisotropic Photoluminescence from Isotropic Optical Transition Dipoles in Semiconductor Nanoplatelets

Many important light-matter coupling and energy-transfer processes depend critically on the dimensionality and orientation of optical transition dipoles in emitters. We investigate individual quasi-two-dimensional nanoplatelets (NPLs) using higher-order laser scanning microscopy and find that absorption dipoles in NPLs are isotropic in three dimensions at the excitation wavelength. Correlated polarization studies of the NPLs reveal that their emission polarization is strongly dependent on the aspect ratio of the lateral dimensions. Our simulations reveal that this emission anisotropy can be readily explained by the electric field renormalization effect caused by the dielectric contrast between the NPLs and the surrounding medium, and we conclude that emission dipoles in NPLs are isotropic in the plane of the NPLs. Our study presents an approach for disentangling the effects of dipole degeneracy and electric field renormalization on emission anisotropy and can be adapted for studying the intrinsic optical transition dipoles of various nanostructures.

Metal-Dielectric Parabolic Antenna for Directing Single Photons

Quantum emitters radiate light omni-directionally, making it hard to collect and use the generated photons. Here, we propose a three-dimensional metal-dielectric parabolic antenna surrounding an individual quantum dot as a source of collimated single photons, which can then be easily extracted and manipulated. Our fabrication method relies on a single optically induced polymerization step once the selected emitter has been localized by confocal microscopy. Compared to conventional nanoantennas, our geometry does not require near-field coupling, and it is, therefore, very robust against misalignment issues and minimally affected by absorption in the metal. The parabolic antenna provides one of the largest reported experimental directivities ( D = 106) and the lowest beam divergences (Θ_1/2 = 13.5°) and a broadband operation over all of the visible and near-infrared range together with extraction efficiency of more than 96%, offering a practical advantage for quantum technological applications.

Imaging and force transduction in correlative scanning force and confocal fluorescence microscopy

Correlative scanning force and confocal fluorescence microscopy has been used to study individual molecules, nanoparticles and nanoparticle oligomers. By applying a compressive force via the AFM cantilever, spectral blue and red shifts in the range of several meV/GPa have been observed for single dye molecules and semiconductor quantum dots. Moreover, individual Au nanoparticle dimers linked by a chlorophyll binding protein have been imaged in both modes and plasmonic fluorescence enhancement of the chlorophyll emission of up to a factor of 15 has been found.

Directed emission of CdSe nanoplatelets originating from strongly anisotropic 2D electronic structure

Intrinsically directional light emitters are potentially important for applications in photonics including lasing and energy-efficient display technology. Here, we propose a new route to overcome intrinsic efficiency limitations in light-emitting devices by studying a CdSe nanoplatelets monolayer that exhibits strongly anisotropic, directed photoluminescence. Analysis of the two-dimensional k-space distribution reveals the underlying internal transition dipole distribution. The observed directed emission is related to the anisotropy of the electronic Bloch states governing the exciton transition dipole moment and forming a bright plane. The strongly directed emission perpendicular to the platelet is further enhanced by the optical local density of states and local fields. In contrast to the emission directionality, the off-resonant absorption into the energetically higher 2D-continuum of states is isotropic. These contrasting optical properties make the oriented CdSe nanoplatelets, or superstructures of parallel-oriented platelets, an interesting and potentially useful class of semiconductor-based emitters.

Single Semiconductor Nanocrystals under Compressive Stress: Reversible Tuning of the Emission Energy

The photoluminescence of individual CdSe/CdS/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals has been investigated under external forces. After mutual alignment of a correlative atomic force and confocal microscope, individual particles were colocalized and exposed to a series of force cycles by using the tip of the AFM cantilever as a nanoscale piston. Thus, force-dependent changes of photophysical properties could be tracked on a single particle level. Remarkably, individual nanocrystals either shifted to higher or to lower emission energies with no indications of multiple emission lines under applied force. The direction and magnitude of these reversible spectral shifts depend on the orientation of nanocrystal axes relative to the external anisotropic force. Maximum pressures derived from the applied forces within a simple contact-mechanical model lie in the GPa range, comparable to values typically emerging in diamond anvil cells. Average spectral shift parameters of -3.5 meV/GPa and 3.0 meV/GPa are found for red- and blue-shifting species, respectively. Our results clearly demonstrate that the emission energy of single nanocrystals can be reversibly tuned over an appreciable wavelength range without degradation of their performance which appears as a promising feature with respect to tunable single photon sources or the creation of coherently coupled particle dimers.

Quantum Yield Heterogeneity among Single Nonblinking Quantum Dots Revealed by Atomic Structure-Quantum Optics Correlation

Physical variations in colloidal nanostructures give rise to heterogeneity in expressed optical behavior. This correlation between nanoscale structure and function demands interrogation of both atomic structure and photophysics at the level of single nanostructures to be fully understood. Herein, by conducting detailed analyses of fine atomic structure, chemical composition, and time-resolved single-photon photoluminescence data for the same individual nanocrystals, we reveal inhomogeneity in the quantum yields of single nonblinking "giant" CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots (g-QDs). We find that each g-QD possesses distinctive single exciton and biexciton quantum yields that result mainly from variations in the degree of charging, rather than from volume or structure inhomogeneity. We further establish that there is a very limited nonemissive "dark" fraction (<2%) among the studied g-QDs and present direct evidence that the g-QD core must lack inorganic passivation for the g-QD to be "dark". Therefore, in contrast to conventional QDs, ensemble photoluminescence quantum yield is principally defined by charging processes rather than the existence of dark g-QDs.

Determination of the Dipole Geometry of Fluorescent Nanoparticles Using Polarized Excitation and Emission Analysis

We demonstrate that the geometries of the absorption dipole μab and emission dipole μem of nano-emitters such as quantum dots can be determined simultaneously by far-field polarimetry. The method involves plotting the emission polarization ratio against the absorption polarization ratio of single nano-emitters. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we show that these plots depend sensitively on the aspect ratio of the dipole shape. For example, the so-called 3D-2D dipole combination, that is, μab of radius ratio 1:1:1 and μem of ratio 1:1:0, would give rise to a vertical line plot. Polarization ratios of commercial cadmium selenide/zinc sulfide (CdSe/ZnS) quantum dots are measured and plotted. The empirical data points are best-fitted to yield μab of radius ratio 1:1:0.28 and μem of ratio 1:1:0.

Mapping bound plasmon propagation on a nanoscale stripe waveguide using quantum dots: influence of spacer layer thickness

In this paper we image the highly confined long range plasmons of a nanoscale metal stripe waveguide using quantum emitters. Plasmons were excited using a highly focused 633 nm laser beam and a specially designed grating structure to provide stronger incoupling to the desired mode. A homogeneous thin layer of quantum dots was used to image the near field intensity of the propagating plasmons on the waveguide. We observed that the photoluminescence is quenched when the QD to metal surface distance is less than 10 nm. The optimised spacer layer thickness for the stripe waveguides was found to be around 20 nm. Authors believe that the findings of this paper prove beneficial for the development of plasmonic devices utilising stripe waveguides.

Quantum dots and ionic liquid-sensitized effect as an efficient and green catalyst for the sensitive determination of glucose

A novel fluorescence (FL) method using water-soluble CdSe quantum dots (QDs) is proposed for the fluorometric determination of hydrogen peroxide and glucose. Water-soluble CdSe QDs were synthesized by using thioglycolic acid as stabilizer in aqueous solutions. The nanoparticles were structurally and optically characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Ionic liquid-sensitized effect in aqueous solution was then investigated. In the presence of ionic liquid as catalyst, H2O2 was decomposed into radical that could quench the fluorescence of CdSe QDs more efficiently and rapidly. Then the oxidization of glucose by glucose oxidase was coupled with the fluorescence quenching of CdSe QDs by H2O2 producer with ionic liquid catalyst, which can be used to detect glucose. Therefore, a new FL analysis system was developed for the determination of glucose. Under the optimum conditions, there is a good linear relationship between the relative PL emission intensity and the concentration of glucose in the range of 5.0×10(-7)-1.0×10(-4) M of glucose with a correlation coefficient (R(2)) of 0.9973. The limit of detection of this system was found to be 1.0×10(-7) M. This method is not only simple, sensitive and low cost, but also reliable for practical applications.

Correlation of atomic structure and photoluminescence of the same quantum dot: pinpointing surface and internal defects that inhibit photoluminescence

In a size regime where every atom counts, rational design and synthesis of optimal nanostructures demands direct interrogation of the effects of structural divergence of individuals on the ensemble-averaged property. To this end, we have explored the structure-function relationship of single quantum dots (QDs) via precise observation of the impact of atomic arrangement on QD fluorescence. Utilizing wide-field fluorescence microscopy and atomic number contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (Z-STEM), we have achieved correlation of photoluminescence (PL) data and atomic-level structural information from individual colloidal QDs. This investigation of CdSe/CdS core/shell QDs has enabled exploration of the fine structural factors necessary to control QD PL. Additionally, we have identified specific morphological and structural anomalies, in the form of internal and surface defects, that consistently vitiate QD PL.

Linking surface chemistry to optical properties of semiconductor nanocrystals

This perspective gives insight into how the chemistry occurring at the surface of semiconductor nanocrystals is crucial to tailoring their optical properties to a myriad of applications.

Using a sharp metal tip to control the polarization and direction of emission from a quantum dot

Optical antennas can be used to manipulate the direction and polarization of radiation from an emitter. Usually, these metallic nanostructures utilize localized plasmon resonances to generate highly directional and strongly polarized emission, which is determined predominantly by the antenna geometry alone, and is thus not easily tuned. Here we show experimentally that the emission polarization can be manipulated using a simple, nonresonant scanning probe consisting of the sharp metallic tip of an atomic force microscope; finite element simulations reveal that the emission simultaneously becomes highly directional. Together, the measurements and simulations demonstrate that interference between light emitted directly into the far field with that elastically scattered from the tip apex in the near field is responsible for this control over polarization and directionality. Due to the relatively weak emitter-tip coupling, the tip must be positioned very precisely near the emitter, but this weak coupling also leads to highly tunable emission properties with a similar degree of polarization and directionality compared to resonant antennas.

The use of imidazolium ionic liquid/copper complex as novel and green catalyst for chemiluminescent detection of folic acid by Mn-doped ZnS nanocrystals

A novel chemiluminescence (CL) method using water-soluble Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) as CL emitter is proposed for the chemiluminometric determination of folic acid in pharmaceutical formulation. Water-soluble Mn-doped ZnS QDs were synthesized by using L-cysteine as stabilizer in aqueous solutions. The nanoparticles were structurally and optically characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy. The CL of ZnS QDs induced by directly chemical oxidation and its ionic liquid-sensitized effect in aqueous solution were then investigated. It was found that oxidants, especially hydrogen peroxide, could directly oxidize ZnS QDs to produce weak CL emission in basic conditions. In the presence of 1,3-dipropylimidazolium bromide/copper a drastic light emission enhancement is observed, related to a strong interaction between Cu(2+) and the imidazolium ring. Therefore, a new CL analysis system was developed for the determination of folic acid. Under the optimum conditions, there is a good linear relationship between the relative CL intensity and the concentration of folic acid in the range of 1×10(-9)-1×10(-)(6) M of folic acid with a correlation coefficient (R(2)) of 0.9991. The limit of detection of this system was found to be 1×10(-)(10) M. This method is not only simple, sensitive and low cost, but also reliable for practical applications.

Multipolar radiation of quantum emitters with nanowire optical antennas

Multipolar transitions other than electric dipoles are generally too weak to be observed at optical frequencies in single quantum emitters. For example, fluorescent molecules and quantum dots have dimensions much smaller than the wavelength of light and therefore emit predominantly as electric dipoles. Here we demonstrate controlled emission of a quantum dot into multipolar radiation through selective coupling to a linear nanowire antenna. The antenna resonance tailors the interaction of the quantum dot with light, effectively creating a hybrid nanoscale source beyond the simple Hertz dipole. Our findings establish a basis for the controlled driving of fundamental modes in nanoantennas and metamaterials, for the understanding of the coupling of quantum emitters to nanophotonic devices such as waveguides and nanolasers, and for the development of innovative quantum nano-optics components with properties not found in nature.

Spectral modifications and polarization dependent coupling in tailored assemblies of quantum dots and plasmonic nanowires

The coupling of optical emitters with a nanostructured environment is at the heart of nano- and quantum optics. We control this coupling by the lithographic positioning of a few (1-3) quantum dots (QDs) along plasmonic silver nanowires with nanoscale resolution. The fluorescence emission from the QD-nanowire systems is probed spectroscopically, by microscopic imaging and decay time measurements. We find that the plasmonic modes can strongly modulate the fluorescence emission. For a given QD position, the local plasmon field dictates the coupling efficiency, and thus the relative weight of free space radiation and emission into plasmon modes. Simulations performed with a generic few-level model give very good agreement with experiment. Our data imply that the 2D degenerate emission dipole orientation of the QD can be forced to predominantly emit to one polarization component dictated by the nanowire modes.

Polarization Properties of Semiconductor Nanorod Heterostructures: From Single Particles to the Ensemble

Semiconductor heterostructured seeded nanorods exhibit intense polarized emission, and the degree of polarization is determined by their morphology and dimensions. Combined optical and atomic force microscopy were utilized to directly correlate the emission polarization and the orientation of single seeded nanorods. For both the CdSe/CdS sphere-in-rod (S@R) and rod-in-rod (R@R), the emission was found to be polarized along the nanorod's main axis. Statistical analysis for hundreds of single nanorods shows higher degree of polarization, p, for R@R (p = 0.83), in comparison to S@R (p = 0.75). These results are in good agreement with the values inferred by ensemble photoselection anisotropy measurements in solution, establishing its validity for nanorod samples. On this basis, photoselection photoluminescence excitation anisotropy measurements were carried out providing unique information concerning the symmetry of higher excitonic transitions and allowing for a better distinction between the dielectric and the quantum-mechanical contributions to polarization in nanorods.

Excitation enhancement of a quantum dot coupled to a plasmonic antenna

Plasmonic antennas are key elements to control the luminescence of quantum emitters. However, the antenna's influence is often hidden by quenching losses. Here, the luminescence of a quantum dot coupled to a gold dimer antenna is investigated. Detailed analysis of the multiply excited states quantifies the antenna's influence on the excitation intensity and the luminescence quantum yield separately.

Solution control of radiative and nonradiative lifetimes: a novel contribution to quantum dot blinking suppression

Time-correlated single photon counting methods are used with confocal microscopy and maximum likelihood estimation analysis to obtain fluorescence lifetime trajectories for single quantum dots with KHz update rates. This technique reveals that control of the solution environment can influence both radiative (k(rad)) and nonradiative (k(nonrad)) pathways for electron-hole recombination emission in a single quantum dot and provides a novel contribution mechanism to nearly complete suppression of quantum dot blinking, specifically by an increase in k(rad*).

A method for determining the absorption ellipsoid of single conjugated polymer molecules and single luminescent nanoparticles

We propose a simple method for the measurement of the absorption ellipsoid of luminescent nanoparticles. The method is based on a combination of far-field and near-field polarized excitation in a wide-field fluorescence microscope and provides the orientation and axes ratio r of a rotationally symmetric ellipsoid. Potential applications of the method including the study of conjugated polymer conformations are discussed.

Frequency-dependent spontaneous emission rate from CdSe and CdTe nanocrystals: influence of dark states

We studied the rate of spontaneous emission from colloidal CdSe and CdTe nanocrystals at room temperature. The decay rate, obtained from luminescence decay curves, increases with the emission frequency in a supralinear way. This dependence is explained by the thermal occupation of dark exciton states at room temperature, giving rise to a strong attenuation of the rate of emission. The supralinear dependence is in agreement with the results of tight-binding calculations.

Synthesis and Characterization of Highly Luminescent CdSe−Core CdS/Zn0.5Cd0.5S/ZnS Multishell Nanocrystals

We report on the preparation and structural characterization of CdSe nanocrystals, which are covered by a multishell structure from CdS and ZnS. By using the newly developed successive ion layer adhesion and reaction (SILAR) technique, we could gradually change the shell composition from CdS to ZnS in the radial direction. Because of the stepwise adjustment of the lattice parameters in the radial direction, the resulting nanocrystals show a high crystallinity and are almost perfectly spherical, as was investigated by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Also, due to the radial increase of the respective valence- and conduction-band offsets, the nanocrystals are well electronically passivated. This leads to a high fluorescence quantum yield of 70-85% for the amine terminated multishell particles in organic solvents and a quantum yield of up to 50% for mercapto propionic acid-covered particles in water. Finally, we present experimental results that substantiate the superior photochemical and colloidal stability of the multishell particles.