Electronic structure of PbSe/PbS core-shell quantum dots

u The electronic structure of PbSe/PbS core-shell quantum dots (QDs) is calculated within a four-band envelope function formalism. The effective mass approximation used successfully to model PbS and PbSe core QDs is extended to include discontinuities in material parameters. The model shows that even though PbSe/PbS is a type-II heterostructure, for typical quantum dot sizes type-II properties will not be observed. Instead, the wave functions are predicted to extend throughout both materials. Experimental results confirm the unique properties of these nanostructures.