A new technique which uses an ultrathin silicon dioxide imaging platform allows for detailed determination of the structure, chemical composition, and optical properties of a single nanostructure. This technique has permitted direct identification of both optimal and sub-optimal quantum dot structures within the ensemble – providing information that can be used in conjunction with decades of synthetic knowledge to accelerate development of viable quantum dot technologies. By using this advanced characterization method, a variety of structural and chemical properties (such as crystal structure, spatially precise chemical composition, and shape) can be correlated with a chosen optical performance metric (fluorescence quantum yield, fluorescence lifetime, biexciton quantum yield, etc.). Exploration of this parameter-function space is providing insight into quantum dot development that would otherwise be unattainable.<br/>In this presentation, we will discuss recent developments in structure-function analysis for single quantum dots, with an emphasis on “giant” thick shell colloidal quantum dots. We have performed extensive analysis of correlated optical and structural data for green-emitting nonblinking “giant” quantum dot syntheses. Through this comprehensive investigation, we have expanded the current library of “dark” quantum dot structures, enhancing the scope of understanding of material defects that make a single quantum dot non-emissive. Finally, we have studied behavior of quantum dots in extreme environments and correlated this behavior with quantum dot structure.

Advances in correlating the optical and structural behavior of single quantum dots

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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