Unique Growth and Optical Behaviors of Chromium Doped ZnSe Nanoparticles Induced by ns Laser Pulse

Abstract

We have synthesized chromium doped ZnSe nanocrystalline particles (Cr²⁺:ZnSe NCPs) by using nanosecond pulsed laser ablation of polycrystalline Cr²⁺:ZnSe micron-sized powder in liquid environment. The scanning electron micrscope and X-ray diffraction results reveal that the products are ZnSe cubic sphalerite structure with an average size around 60 nm. Based on the Cr²⁺:ZnSe nanoparticles, typical random laser emissions centering at 2175 nm with a threshold of 0.4 mJ/pulse were observed. Compared to the Cr²⁺:ZnSe bulk laser, the central wavelength shows a ∼175 nm blue-shift. The photoluminescence lifetime of Cr²⁺:ZnSe NCPs is shorter than that of Cr²⁺:ZnSe bulk.

Keywords:

• Cr²⁺:ZnSe
• random laser
• nanomaterials
• mid-infrared laser

Funding

This research is supported by the Major Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (60890200), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSAF No.10976017), and the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China (973 Program).