Efficient Optical Gain in CdSe/CdS Dots-in-Rods

Excitonic-state-resolved pump/probe spectroscopy is performed on semiconductor dot-in-rod nanocrystals. Using excitonic-state-resolved pumping we are able to resolve effects of the rod upon exciton dynamics of the core. The shell has the effect of lowering gain threshold, increasing absorption cross-section, and increasing the Auger lifetime; hence nanorods are shown to be an effective means of enhancing gain performance of nanomaterials.