Effect of transition metal dopants on the optical and magnetic properties of semiconductor nanocrystals

Abstract

This review discusses the recent developments in doped semiconductor nanocrystals with a special emphasis on the effect of dopant on the electronic structure of the host nanocrystals. The review focusses on 3d transition metal dopants with unique electronic structure making them receptive for dramatic changes in magnetism, absorption and photoluminescence properties by the successful introduction of a small percentage of dopants into the nanocrystals. Many of these properties are shown to be qualitatively different from that of the bulk properties, leading to challenges in understanding the nature and effects of the confinement of the host. The optical and magnetic changes induced by Mn doping is first reviewed, followed by the use of Cu as a probe to understand the bulk and surface electronic structure of the host. The review concludes with a short section on photomagnetism induced by Cu on the host nanocrystal and a summary of the work with other transition metal ions.