Optical properties of PbSe quantum dots doped in borosilicate glass

PbSe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized in borosilicate glass and their optical properties were investigated. The typical quantum confinement effects were clearly observed from the absorption when the average radii of the QDs changed from 1.7 to 3.1 nm. Photoluminescence from PbSe QDs was achieved in 1.1–2.2 μm wavelength region that covers the entire fiber-optic telecommunication window. Borosilicate glasses containing controlled size of PbSe QDs provide potentials for the fiber-optic amplifiers.