CO2 laser-induced precipitation of CdSxSe1−x nanoparticles in a borosilicate glass: A new approach for the localized growth of quantum dots

A novel method allowing the local growth of semiconductor nanoparticles in dense silicate glasses is presented. In this method combining a continuous middle-infrared laser irradiation and a heat-treatment in open air, a transparent melt-quenched borosilicate glass containing CdSxSe1−x nanocrystals was annealed at a temperature below the softening point. Simultaneously, a continuous infrared laser irradiation at 10.6 μm was applied, acting as a thermal addition. Resonant Raman, photoluminescence and absorption spectra reveal the local growth of CdSxSe1−x nanoparticles, with a homogeneous composition and average particle radii ranging from 1.9 to 5.5 nm. These results demonstrate the feasibility of coupling a laser irradiation with an appropriate heat-treatment in order to achieve the spatial organization of nanostructures in vitreous materials.