Effects of the dark-exciton state on photoluminescence dynamics in surface-modified CdS quantum dots prepared by a colloidal method

We have investigated exciton dynamics in surface-modified CdS quantum dots (QDs) prepared by a colloidal method. The size- and surface-controlled CdS QDs have been successfully prepared by using a size-selective photoetching and surface modification technique. The decay profiles exhibit an unusual temperature dependence: increase of the decay time with increase in temperature. The temperature dependence of the decay profiles can be explained in terms of a three-level model including the exciton state with a triplet origin, the so-called dark-exciton state.