Cd1−xMnxTe ultrasmall quantum dots growth in a silicate glass matrix by the fusion method

In this study, we synthesized Cd1−xMnxTe ultrasmall quantum dots (USQDs) in SiO2-Na2CO3-Al2O3-B2O3 glass system using the fusion method. Growth of these Cd1−xMnxTe USQDs was confirmed by optical absorption, atomic force microscopy (AFM), magnetic force microscopy (MFM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements. The blueshift of absorption transition with increasing manganese concentration gives evidence of incorporation of manganese ions (Mn2+) in CdTe USQDs. AFM, TEM, and MFM confirmed, respectively, the formation of high quality Cd1−xMnxTe USQDs with uniformly distributed size and magnetic phases. Furthermore, EPR spectra showed six lines associated to the S = 5/2 spin half-filled d-state, characteristic of Mn2+, and confirmed that Mn2+ are located in the sites core and surface of the CdTe USQD. Therefore, synthesis of high quality Cd1−xMnxTe USQDs may allow the control of optical and magnetic properties.