Quantum dot photoluminescence as a versatile probe to visualize the interaction between plasma and nanoparticles on a surface

Z Marvi,J Beckers,M Hasani,G Klaassen,T J M Donders

doi:10.1063/5.0067532

Z Marvi, J Beckers + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0067532

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Journal: Applied Physics Letters	Publication Date: Dec 20, 2021
Citations: 5	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Eindhoven University of Technology

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate that the interaction between plasma and nanometer-sized semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) is directly connected to a change in their photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. This is done by taking in situ, high resolution, and temporally resolved spectra of the light emitted by laser-excited QDs on an electrically floating sample exposed to a low pressure argon plasma. Our results show a fast redshift of the PL emission peak indicating the quantum-confined Stark effect due to plasma-generated excess charges on the substrate and near the QD surface, while other plasma-induced (thermal and ion) effects on longer timescales could clearly be distinguished from these charging effects. The presented results and method open up pathways to direct visualization and understanding of fundamental plasma–particle interactions on nanometer length scales.

Highlights

It has drawn the attention of the entire research community, far the fundamental interaction between plasma and particles on the nm size scale has been largely unexplored
We experimentally demonstrate that the interaction between plasma and nanometer-sized semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) is directly connected to a change in their photoluminescence (PL) spectrum
This is done by taking in situ, high resolution, and temporally resolved spectra of the light emitted by laser-excited QDs on an electrically floating sample exposed to a low pressure argon plasma

Summary

Introduction

It has drawn the attention of the entire research community, far the fundamental interaction between plasma and particles on the nm size scale has been largely unexplored. Our results show a fast redshift of the PL emission peak indicating the quantum-confined Stark effect due to plasma-generated excess charges on the substrate and near the QD surface, while other plasma-induced (thermal and ion) effects on longer timescales could clearly be distinguished from these charging effects.

Results

Conclusion