Hole-induced electron transport through core-shell quantum dots: a direct measurement of the electron-hole interaction

Nano Lett. 2010 May 12;10(5):1931-5. doi: 10.1021/nl100949a.

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) have promising optoelectronic properties. Colloidal QD heterostructures, systems in which two semiconductors are incorporated in a single colloid, may show novel and potentially useful transport phenomena. Here, we report on the physical mechanisms of charge transport through PbSe-CdSe core-shell QDs measured with cryogenic scanning tunneling spectroscopy. Compared to single-component QDs, an additional hole-induced electron tunneling channel is found. Electron tunneling with and without a hole occurs at different bias, allowing the determination of the electron-hole interaction energy (80 meV). This energy is sufficiently large to allow for a transport regime at room temperature in which electrons tunnel into the dot only if a hole is present, an ideal situation for controlled single-photon emission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Electron Transport
  • Quantum Dots*
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Semiconductors