Ultrafast spin dynamics in colloidal ZnO quantum dots

Time-resolved Faraday rotation measurements in the ultraviolet have been performed to reveal the ultrafast spin dynamics of electrons in colloidal ZnO quantum dots. Oscillating Faraday rotation signals are detected at frequencies corresponding to an effective g factor of g* = 1.96. Biexponential oscillation decay is observed that is due to (i) rapid depopulation of the fundamental exciton (iota = 250 ps) and (ii) slow electron spin dephasing (T-2* = 1.2 ns) within a metastable state formed by hole-trapping at the quantum dot surface.