PbS Quantum-dots in Glasses

PbS QDs in glasses have attracted much attention due to the potentials for near-infrared applications. Growth of PbS QDs in the glass is discussed and size of PbS QDs formed in the glass can be tuned by varying the thermal treatment conditions. Hyperbolic-band approximation and four-band envelope function provide good simulation of the exciton energies of PbS QDs. Absorption and photoluminescence of PbS QDs was tuned into $1{\sim}2{\mu}m$ wave-length regime with large full width at half maximum photoluminescence intensity (>160 nm). Photoluminescence intensity of PbS QDs in the glasses was closely related to size of quantum dots, temperature, excitation and defects. Decrease in temperature shifted the photoluminescence bands to shorter wavelength and switched the photoluminescence from darkened state and brightened state.