Effect of ZnSe partial capping on the ripening dynamics of CdSe quantum dots

The ripening dynamics of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) partially capped with ZnSe layer are investigated. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images show that the ripening of QDs is dramatically accelerated by depositing a ZnSe partial capping layer. The driving force of ripening enhancement is attributed to the increasing strain energy with capping thickness. For a ZnSe partial capping layer of below 3 ML, photoluminescence exhibits a clear redshift with increasing ZnSe monolayers. It is attributed to the size of the CdSe QD increases with ZnSe partial capping, in a manner that is consistent with the results of the AFM study.