Zero-dimensional excitons in (Zn,Cd)Se quantum structures

Abstract
This paper reports the observation of truly zero-dimensional excitons of extremely small homogeneous width in highly strained (Zn,Cd)Se/ZnSe quantum-well structures (Cd content >30%, well width ≤3 nm). The occurrence of extra phonon modes not observable on wells of standard design (5 nm) indicates structural modifications giving rise to localization sites with sufficiently strong confinement potential. The lifetime of the zero-dimensional excitons ranges between 200 and 250 ps.