Fluorophosphate glasses with quantum dots based on lead sulfide

The specific features in the formation of IV-VI (PbS) quantum dots in a vitreous fluorophosphate matrix are investigated by X-ray microanalysis, high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), high-resolution X-ray diffraction, and optical absorption spectroscopy. A complete characterization of the nanocrystals grown (their sizes and morphology) in the glass is performed on the basis of the results obtained. It is demonstrated that spherical PbS nanocrystals with a cubic lattice of the NaCl type are formed in fluorophosphate glasses synthesized. The nanocrystals are uniformly distributed over the matrix bulk and are characterized by a narrow size distribution (DeltaR/R = 7%) in the studied size range R approximate to 2.0-15 nm, which corresponds to strong quantum confinement.