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Optical Trapping of Nanoparticles
Published on: January 15, 2013
Controlling nanogap quantum dot photoconductivity through optoelectronic trap manipulation
Lauren J Willis1, Jessamyn A Fairfield, Tali Dadosh
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Nano Letters
|October 16, 2009
Summary
Researchers developed optoelectronic methods to control charge trap populations in semiconductor nanocrystals. This approach enhances the reproducibility of electronic properties, paving the way for improved nanoscale devices by managing impurities and defects.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanoscience
- Solid-State Physics
Background:
- Nanoscale devices exhibit tunable electronic and optical properties.
- Impurities and defects significantly impact semiconductor nanocrystal characteristics at the nanoscale.
- Variations in nanocrystal properties hinder reliable device performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop optoelectronic methods for controlling charge trap populations in semiconductor nanocrystals.
- To transform irreproducible nanocrystal electronic properties into a robust photocurrent response.
- To establish a model unifying previous work on nanocrystal characterization.
Main Methods:
- Performed large ensemble photoconductivity measurements.
- Utilized core-shell Cadmium Selenide/Zinc Sulfide (CdSe/ZnS) semiconductor nanocrystals.
- Investigated charge trap populations and their optoelectronic manipulation.
Main Results:
- Discovered optoelectronic methods to effectively influence solid-state charge trap populations.
- Developed a unifying model for nanocrystal electronic properties.
- Achieved reproducible photocurrent responses through trap state manipulation.
Conclusions:
- Control over impurities and defects via optoelectronic methods enhances nanocrystal device performance.
- Findings offer a pathway to improved tunability and reliability in nanoscale applications.
- Charge trap manipulation is key for optimizing semiconductor nanocrystal-based technologies.
