Synthesis and optical properties of copper-doped ZnSe quantum dots

Abstract

This paper reports a new method to synthesize Cu-doped ZnSe quantum dots (QDs). Emission properties are tuned from the blue to the green region simply by increasing the size of the QDs. A red shift in optical absorption of Cu:ZnSe QDs compared with undoped ZnSe QDs is observed. The increase in size of QDs is explained by a change in reaction kinematics. PL measurements revealed both a band edge as well as a copper-related emission. Delocalization of electronic wave functions leads to a shift in the copper-related emission with in size. PL excitation spectra recorded at Cu emission shows ZnSe energy levels along with a feature between 350–370 nm. This feature is assigned to excited energy levels of Cu ions. Variation in electron energy levels as a function of size and on Cu incorporation is mapped.