Fluorophosphate Glasses with Quantum Dots Based on Lead Sulfide

The specific features in the formation of IV–VI (PbS) quantum dots in a vitreous fluorophosphate matrix are investigated by X-ray microanalysis, high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), high-resolution X-ray diffraction, and optical absorption spectroscopy. A complete characterization of the nanocrystals grown (their sizes and morphology) in the glass is performed on the basis of the results obtained. It is demonstrated that spherical PbS nanocrystals with a cubic lattice of the NaCl type are formed in fluorophosphate glasses synthesized. The nanocrystals are uniformly distributed over the matrix bulk and are characterized by a narrow size distribution (ΔR/R ≈ 7%) in the studied size range R ≈ 2.0–15 nm, which corresponds to strong quantum confinement.