Cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence of highly luminescent CdSe/ZnS quantum dot composites

Abstract

We report room-temperature cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence spectra originating from ZnS overcoated CdSe nanocrystals, 33 and 42 Å in diameter, embedded in a ZnS matrix. The thin-film quantum dot composites were synthesized by electrospray organometallic chemical vapor deposition. Cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence are dominated by the sharp band-edge emission characteristic of the initial nanocrystals. The emission wavelength can be tuned in a broad window (470–650 nm) by varying the size of the dots. The cathodoluminescence intensity depends on the crystallinity of the ZnS matrix and the voltage and current density applied.