Abstract

CdSe nanocrystals are nanoobjects with remarkable fluorescence properties. At these scales (a few nm), quantum confinement creates discrete energy levels, depending on the nanocrystal size. The emission wavelength can be tuned from 450 to 600 nm by adjusting the nanocrystals diameter during their synthesis reaction. These emitters have many interesting optical properties, such as a broad absorption spectrum and a sharp emission line. They can be easily handled, and attached to molecules of biological interest (using the nanocrystals as fluorescent probes for instance). When deposited as a close-packed layer, they can be used in optoelectronics for the realization of solar cells, electroluminescent diodes or lasers. Finally, in the context of quantum optics, single photon emission can be obtained from an individual nanocrystal, even at room temperature.

© 2007 IEEE