Quantum anti-dots in a PPV matrix: physical origins of time-resolved spectral behaviour

Modification of the structure and properties of conjugated polymers achieved by embedding wide gap dielectric nanocrystals (antidots) was investigated by means of time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy. Antidots strongly modify the luminescence spectrum of PPV. The temporal evolution of luminescence spectra in polymer-antidot composites reveals a series of characteristic times. The shortest of these are independent of antidot material and describe processes in the polymer matrix; longer times may relate to carrier capture by the nanocrystals.