Charge storage, photoluminescence, and cluster statistics in ensembles of Si quantum dots

Abstract

In this paper, we provide a framework for the description of the basic transport processes in ensembles of disordered semiconductor quantum dots by studying solid systems of Si nanocrystallites embedded in an insulating matrix. Our combined structural, transport, charge storage, and optical studies enable us to evaluate these processes as a function of the density of the quantum dots. In particular, we found a remarkable matching between the onset of the formation of quantum dot clusters, the above properties, percolation-clusters theory, and intracluster carrier migration.