Optical properties of CdSe nanocrystals in a polymer matrix

Cadmium selenide nanocrystals have been made in a transparent polymer matrix by synthesis at room temperature. Particle size is controlled by reaction time or reagent concentration. Larger nanocrystals (greater than or similar to 3 nm) show near-band-edge photoluminescence. Smaller ones have a broad emission extending across the visible region. Atmospheric moisture causes the emission intensity to decrease but subsequent exposure to light reverses this and gives a material which is no longer quenched by moisture. The broad emission and stability against atmospheric moisture leads to possible device applications of a "white" phosphor. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0003-6951(99)03645-1].