Single-dot spectroscopy uncovers the effects of surface trapping and Auger recombination on quantum dot emission

Surface trapping and Auger recombination typically suppress the emission of quantum dots (QDs). Understanding how these two processes affect the emission properties of QDs is critical to optimizing their photoluminescence (PL) performance. However, isolating their respective contributions can be challenging. In this study, we investigate the respective effects of surface trapping and Auger recombination on QD emission using single QD spectroscopy. The effects of surface trapping and Auger recombination on QD emission can be distinguished by analyzing the real-time changes in the radiative and non-radiative rates of the PL trajectories of single QDs. This is because Auger recombination can alter both the radiative and nonradiative rates, while surface trapping changes only the non-radiative rate. We find that when the PL trajectory of a single QD is in a gray state due to surface trapping, it can still exhibit Auger blinking induced by charging. Surface trapping introduces non-radiative recombination pathways not only for neutral exciton states but also for trion states. This further confirms that surface trapping and Auger recombination in QDs are completely independent non-radiative pathways. The ability to distinguish the respective effects of Auger recombination and surface trapping provides valuable insights into QD emission mechanisms.