New functional glasses containing semiconductor quantum dots

CdSe and PbSe quantum dots (QDs) were precipitated in oxide glass matrices and their optical properties were investigated. The size of QDs could be controlled using careful heat treatment. The quantum confinement effect was clearly observed, as evidenced by a shift in the peak wavelengths of absorption. It was possible to control also the wavelength of the photoluminescence bands of CdSe and PbSe QDs by using thermal treatment.