Quantum confinement in ZnO nanorods

The colloidal-synthesized ZnO nanorods with radius of 1.1+/-0.1 nm (less than the bulk exciton Bohr radius, a(B)similar to2.34 nm) have been studied by optical methods combined with simple model calculations. The quantum confinement has been observed in these nanorods. The exciton binding energy is shown to be significantly enhanced due to one-dimensional confinement. Additionally, it is suggested that the green luminescence in ZnO involves free holes. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.