| Project Detail |
Reducing energy loss in quantum dots: competing radiative losses via photonic enhancement
Conventional semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) suffer from energy loss via non-radiative (Auger recombination (AR)) processes, greatly impacting the efficiency of optoelectronic devices. This phenomenon impedes the use of QDs in high-intensity lighting applications and laser systems. With the support of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions programme, the InPforPE project aims to enhance the rate of the radiative transitions rather than reducing the rate of AR. The project will do so via photonic enhancement achieved by encapsulating QDs in a metallic gold nanoshell. The resulting indium phosphide-based gold plasmonic nanoresonators will have tuneable emission wavelengths from green to red and will enable the team to leverage electric field effects.
InPforPE aims to mitigate energy losses in semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) resulting from Auger recombination (AR) throughInPforPE aims to mitigate energy losses in semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) resulting from Auger recombination (AR) through photonic enhancement. Despite the wide-ranging applications of QDs, such as energy-efficient displays and light-emitting diodes, their full potential is hindered by the adverse effects of AR-induced losses. Auger recombination, a significant and inevitable non-radiative decay process, occurs on a timescale of approximately 100 ps for multi-carrier states of QDs. This phenomenon obstructs the utilisation of QDs in high-intensity lighting applications and laser systems. Previous efforts to address these challenges have focussed on reducing the rate of AR. Here, we propose a disruptive new approach in which we enhance the rate of the radiative transitions, and hence the rate of absorption and emission through photonic enhancement, aiming to outcompete AR. The photonic enhancement is achieved by encapsulating QD within a metallic Au nanoshell, acting as a plasmonic nanoresonator to leverage electric field effects. The primary objective is to synthesise and characterise InP-based Au nanoresonators, covering a range of emission wavelengths from green to red. The emission wavelength is tuned by changing the core size of the InP QD, which is a direct manifestation of the quantum confinement effect exhibited by these particles. Furthermore, we aim to study the charge carrier dynamics in these systems at both ensemble and single-particle levels. The enhanced radiative lifetime and biexciton quantum yield of InP QDs in the presence of an Au metallic shell will be valuable for their use as light-emitting materials or optical gain media for lasing. The proposed system aligns well with the EUs Work Programme, advancing eco-friendly technology for efficient displays, high-output light-emitting diodes, lasers, and optical communication. |
