Incorporation of luminescent CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots and PbS quantum dots into solution-derived chalcogenide glass films

CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots (CSQDs) and PbS quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized using a colloidal method and incorporated into Ge23Sb7S70 glass films via a solution-derived approach to film formation. Photoluminescence (PL) from the QDs inside the glass matrix was observed in the visible (CdSe/ZnS) and near-IR (PbS) regions. Properties of the QDs were found to be environment dependent, with the amine solvent partially quenching the luminescence. The PL lifetime of the CdSe/ZnS CSQDs and PbS QDs in the glass film was decreased to varying degrees from that of the QDs in pure chloroform. Monitoring the steady-state PL intensity and luminescence lifetime of PbS doped films showed that appropriate heat treatment of the deposited film increases the luminescence efficiency by removing residual solvent from the glass matrix. (C) 2013 Optical Society of America