Energy transfer kinetics in Basic Fuchsin dye sensitized CdS quantum dots

Sensitization of QDs (Quantum Dots) with a dye of good spectral overlap maximizes and extends the absorption range of incident photons. Interactions of Cadmium Sulfide Quantum Dots (CdS QDs) with Basic Fuchsin (BF) dye has been investigated in the present work using steady state and time resolved fluorescence emission techniques. The analysis has led to the inference that fluorescence resonance (Forster type) energy transfer (FRET) is the mechanism behind the fluorescence quenching of CdS QDs in the presence of dye molecules. An efficient energy transfer (similar to 90%) from CdS donor to BF dye acceptor was observed and the FRET parameters such as Forster distance and spectral overlap integral were determined. The non-radiative energy transfer mechanism in QDs-dye binary mixtures holds great promise in analytical chemistry, biodetection system and in light harvesting systems.