Multi-wavelength intermittent photoluminescence of single CdSe quantum dots

A single chromophore detection using video-microscopy is one of the latest methodologies to reveal unique characteristics, which could not be obtained from ensemble measurements. Among many kinds of subjects, dynamic optical properties observed in colloidal semiconductor nanoparticles are attractive and important not only for the basis of photo-physics but also for application studies, e.g. biological labeling, electronic devices. In this study, fluorescence video-microscopy was performed on cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots (QDs) spin-coated on a glass substrate. From single CdSe QDs detection, emissions at wavelengths separated over 60 nm were observed for the first time. This spectral feature was attributed to the existence of double-emissive relaxation processes in CdSe QDs. Photoluminescence intermittency was also observed both from relaxation processes. Fluorescence video-microscopy, which was advanced in biology, can be applicable for the real-time monitoring of dynamic properties in semiconductor photo-physics. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.