A porous matrix for studying the optical properties of systems of close-packed quantum dots

Abstract

The structure of filter paper used as a porous matrix for incorporating quantum dots (QDs) has been investigated by means of a confocal microscope and an atomic-force microscope. The morphology of the QDs incorporated into its structure has been investigated, using PbS QDs 6.9 nm in diameter as examples. It is shown that the QDs are deposited onto the surfaces of the fibers, forming small clusters, and are distributed over virtually the entire surface of the fibers, accumulating predominantly in the grooves. A model is proposed for the distribution of QDs inside the volume of the porous matrix, which acts as a complex curved surface of a definite area, determined by the geometry of the fibers of the paper and their roughness. These calculations confirm the proposed model and make it possible to refine the mechanisms of self-organization of close-packed structures composed of QDs and the energy transfer between them.