Photoluminescence of (Zn,Pb,Mn)S quantum dots in polyacrylate matrix

Solutions of quantum dots (Zn,Pb,Mn)S with different mole ratio of cations were obtained by colloidal synthesis in methyl methacrylate (MMA) medium. By thermal polymerization of MMA in the block, colloidal solutions are transferred to the glassy state. The optical transparency of PMMA/(Zn,Pb,Mn)S compositions at wavelengths $>$ 500 nm reaches 90% with the thickness of the absorbing layer up to 5 mm. Photoluminescence of compositions in the spectral region of 400–480 nm is associated with electron recombination at the levels of defects in the crystal structure of ZnS, in the range of 520–620 nm with $^4$T$_1\to^{6}$A$_1$ electron transition in Mn$^{2+}$ ions. Excitation of photoluminescence occurs as a result of interband transitions in ZnS and energy transfer from the conduction band of ZnS to Mn$^{2+}$ ion levels. The luminescence spectrum depends on the molar ratio of Mn$^{2+}$ and Pb$^{2+}$ ions, the sequence of introduction of the components into the reaction mixture, the wavelength of the exciting radiation.