In spite of recent doubts carrier multiplication does occur in PbSe nanocrystals.
Efficient carrier multiplication has been reported for several semiconductor nanocrystals: PbSe, PbS, PbTe, CdSe, InAs, and Si. Some of these reports have been challenged by studies claiming that carrier multiplication does not occur in CdSe, CdTe, and InAs nanocrystals, thus raising legitimate doubts concerning the occurrence of carrier multiplication in the remaining materials. Here, conclusive evidence is given for its occurrence in PbSe nanocrystals using femtosecond transient photobleaching. In addition, it is shown that a correct determination of carrier-multiplication efficiency requires spectral integration over the photobleach feature. The carrier multiplication efficiency we obtain is significantly lower than what has been reported previously, and it remains an open question whether it is higher in nanocrystals than it is in bulk semiconductors.
Trinh
M Tuan
MT
Optoelectronic Materials, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.
Houtepen
Arjan J
AJ
Schins
Juleon M
JM
Hanrath
Tobias
T
Piris
Jorge
J
Knulst
Walter
W
Goossens
Albert P L M
AP
Siebbeles
Laurens D A
LD
D003198:Computer Simulation; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D004579:Electron Transport; D007854:Lead / Q000737:chemistry*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D018036:Selenium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D018036:Selenium Compounds; C088065:lead selenide; D007854:Lead