Quantification of Compositional Modulations in Self-Assembled Multisheet (Cd, Zn, Mn)Se Quantum Dot Structures

Abstract

CdSe/ZnSe based semiconductor quantum dot (Q D) structures are a promising candidate for optoelectronic device applications. However, key to the luminescence properties is the cation distribution and ordering on the atomic level within the CdSe QDs/agglomerates. Here the Z contrast imaging technique in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) is employed to study multisheet (Cd,Zn,Mn)Se QD structures. Since Z-contrast is an incoherent imaging technique, problems associated with strain contrast in conventional TEM are avoided an accurate size and composition determinations can be made.For this work we used a JEOL JEM 201 OF field emission STEM/TEM. The sample was grown by molecular beam epitaxy in order to achieve vertical self-ordering of Cd rich quasi-2D platelet This sample comprises 8 sequences of 10 ML (2.83 nm)Zn0.9Mn0.1Se cladding layer and 0.3 ML (0.09 nm) CdSe sheet, a further 10 ML of Zn0.9Mn0.1Se, and a 50 nm ZnSe capping layer.