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Updated: Mar 17, 2026

Compact Quantum Dots for Single-molecule Imaging
Published on: October 9, 2012
Observation of compositional domains within individual copper indium sulfide quantum dots
Andrew J Harvie1, Matthew Booth, Ruth L Chantry
1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. k.critchley@leeds.ac.uk.
None:
The origin of photoluminescence in copper indium sulfide (CIS) quantum dots (Qdots) has previously been ascribed to a donor-acceptor pair (DAP) recombination, with a crystal lattice defect implicated as the origin of the donor state. In this study, electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) was used to observe defect-rich compositional domains within individual CIS Qdots, supporting a model of defect-state-mediated photoluminescence for these particles, and identifying them as an ideal model system for future study of lattice defects on Qdot properties.
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