Dynamics of spontaneous emission of quantum dots in a one-dimensional cholesteric liquid crystal photonic cavity

Abstract

We investigate the modulation of recombination lifetimes of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) dispersed in a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) photonic cavity. Using ultrafast spectroscopic techniques we focus on the time-resolved emission from QD ensembles in CLC matrices with either planar or homeotropic alignment. In the case of planar alignment and a well-defined spectral stop-band (reflection band) we observe the emergence of a second, faster decay time of less than 2 ns. This short recombination pathway is observed only in samples where the QD emission spectrum partially overlaps the CLC stop-band by 50% or more. Samples prepared with homeotropic alignment do not have a stop-band and, consequently, do not lead to spectral or dynamical modulation of the QD emission. Our observations indicate that coupling between the excitonic and the photonic cavity modes results in an enhancement and modulation of spontaneous emission in the liquid crystal medium.