Colloidal CdSe/ZnS quantum dots as single-photon sources

The fluorescence of colloidal CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals at room temperature exhibits a perfect antibunching under continuous or pulsed excitation. In this paper, we discuss the consequences of fluorescence properties of CdSe nanocrystals on the generation of single photons. In particular, we examine the role of Auger processes in the inhibition of multiexcitonic emission. We also discuss the relationship between Auger processes and the fluorescence intermittency of CdSe quantum dots. Altogether, features discussed here indicate that CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals are promising single-photon sources.