title: Band-filling of solution-synthesized CdS nanowires.
abstract: The band edge optical characterization of solution-synthesized CdS nanowires (NWs) is described. Investigated wires are made through a solution-liquid-solid approach that entails the use of low-melting bimetallic catalyst particles to seed NW growth. Resulting diameters are approximately 14 nm, and lengths exceed 1 microm. Ensemble diameter distributions are approximately 13%, with corresponding intrawire diameter variations of approximately 5%. High-resolution transmission electron micrographs show that the wires are highly crystalline and have the wurtzite structure with growth along at least two directions: [0001] and [1010]. Band edge emission is observed with estimated quantum yields between approximately 0.05% and 1%. Complementary photoluminescence excitation spectra show structure consistent with the linear absorption. Carrier cooling dynamics are subsequently examined through ensemble lifetime and transient differential absorption measurements. The former reveals unexpectedly long band edge decays that extend beyond tens of nanoseconds. The latter indicates rapid intraband carrier cooling on time scales of 300-400 fs. Subsequent recovery at the band edge contains significant Auger contributions at high intensities which are usurped by other, possibly surface-related, carrier relaxation pathways at lower intensities. Furthermore, an unusual intensity-dependent transient broadening is seen, connected with these long decays. The effect likely stems from band-filling on the basis of an analysis of observed spectral shifts and line widths.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Puthussery
authors.forename: Aidong
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lan
authors.forename: Thomas H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Kosel
authors.forename: Masaru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kuno
mesh_terms: D019187:Cadmium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D018036:Selenium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D012666:Semiconductors; D012996:Solutions; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D019187:Cadmium Compounds; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D018036:Selenium Compounds; D012996:Solutions; C058667:cadmium selenide