The quantum dots (QDs) for use in nanobiotechnology trials should be thermodynamically stable and have homogeneous dispersion, high radiative quantum efficiency (η), a very broad absorption spectrum, low levels of nonspecific links to biological compounds and, most importantly, stability in aqueous media. Recently, a new class of CdSe QDs called magic-sized quantum dots (MSQDs), with sizes from 1 to 2 nm and well-defined structures, has attracted considerable attention because of its novel physical properties. The present work reports the thermo-optical properties of CdSe/CdS MSQDs and CdSe/ZnS QDs suspended in aqueous solutions. Absolute nonradiative quantum efficiency (φ) and η values were determined applying two techniques: the well-known Thermal Lens (TL) technique and an alternative method called thermal spatial self-phase modulation (TSPM) technique.

Date Published: 22 February 2013
PDF: 6 pages
Proc. SPIE 8595, Colloidal Nanocrystals for Biomedical Applications VIII, 85951I (22 February 2013); doi: 10.1117/12.2004213

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8595:
Colloidal Nanocrystals for Biomedical Applications VIII
Wolfgang J. Parak; Marek Osinski; Kenji Yamamoto, Editor(s)