Modeling the PbS quantum dots complex dielectric function by adjusting the E-k diagram critical points of bulk PbS

Elad Hechster, Gabby Sarusi

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    5 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    The complex dielectric function ϵ(E)=ϵR(E)+iϵI(E) of a semiconductor is a key parameter that dictates the material's optical and electrical properties. Surprisingly, the ϵ(E) of Lead Sulfide (PbS) quantum dots (QDs) has not been widely studied. In the present work, we develop a new model that aims to simulate the ϵ(E) of QDs. Our model is based on the fact that the quantum confinement in the nano regime affects all the electronic transitions throughout the entire Brillouin zone. Hence, as a first approximation, we attribute an equal contribution of energy, equivalent to the bandgap broadening, to each critical point (CP) in the E-k diagram. This is mathematically realized by adding these energy contributions to the central energy parameters of the Lorentz oscillator model. In order to validate our model, we used the CP parameters of bulk PbS to simulate the ϵ(E) of PbS QDs. Next, we use Maxwell Relations to calculate the refractive index and the extinction coefficient of PbS QDs from ϵE. Our results were compared with those published in the previous literature and showed good agreement. Our findings open a new avenue that may enable the calculation of the ϵE for nanoparticle systems.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number024302
    JournalJournal of Applied Physics
    Volume122
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 14 Jul 2017

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Physics and Astronomy

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