Surface sensing of quantum dots by electron spins

Moro, Fabrizio; Turyanska, Lyudmila; Wilman, James; Williams, Huw E.L.; Fielding, Alistair John; Patan�, Amalia

Abstract

The nanoscale design of quantum dots (QDs) requires advanced analytical techniques. However, those that are commonly used do not have sufficient sensitivity or spatial resolution. Here, we use magnetic resonance techniques combined with paramagnetic Mn-impurities in PbS QDs for sensitive probing of the QD surface and environment. In particular, we reveal inequivalent proton spin relaxations of the capping ligands and solvent molecules, strengths and anisotropies of the Mn-nuclear spin interactions, and Mn-nuclei distances with ~ 1 Å sensitivity. These findings demonstrate the potential of magnetically doped QDs as sensitive magnetic nano-probes and the use of electron spins for surface sensing.

Citation

Moro, F., Turyanska, L., Wilman, J., Williams, H. E., Fielding, A. J., & Patanè, A. (in press). Surface sensing of quantum dots by electron spins. Nano Letters, 16(10), https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.6b02727

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 14, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Sep 14, 2016
• Deposit Date: Sep 15, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 15, 2016
• Journal: Nano Letters
• Print ISSN: 1530-6984
• Electronic ISSN: 1530-6992
• Publisher: American Chemical Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 10
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.6b02727
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/817867
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.6b02727