Size-Distribution Dependence of Optical Properties of Semiconductor Microparticle Composites*

Abstract

We shall report the results of structural and optical studies of semiconductor microparticle composites consisting of small (<20nm) CdS x Se1− x crystallites embedded in a glassy matrix1. Recent studies2–4 have shown this class of materials to have large third-order optical susceptibility with fast response time (< 20ps), therefore it is of great interest for nonlinear optical applications. Before we can assess the fundamental limitations and ultimate promise for these materials it is necessary to increase the base of information relating optical and electronic properties to structural properties such as crystal size, strain, defects, and composition. Surprisingly little work has been published in this area5,6.