Cryogenic Single-Nanocrystal Spectroscopy: Reading the Spectral Fingerprint of Individual CdSe Quantum Dots

Spectroscopically resolved emission from single nanocrystals at cryogenic temperatures provides unique insight into physical processes that occur within these materials. At low temperatures, the emission spectra collapse to narrow lines, revealing a rich spectroscopic landscape and unexpected properties, completely hidden at the ensemble level. Since these techniques were first used, the technology of nanocrystal synthesis has matured significantly, and new materials with outstanding photostability have been reported. In this perspective, we show how cryogenic spectroscopy of single nanocrystals probes the fundamental excitonic structure of the band edge, revealing spectral fingerprints that are highly sensitive to a range of photophysical properties as well as nanocrystal morphology. In particular, spectral and temporal signatures of biexciton and trion emission are revealed, and their relevance to emerging technologies is discussed. Overall we show how cryogenic single nanocrystal spectroscopy can be used as a tool for understanding fundamental photophysics and guiding the synthesis of new nanocrystal materials.