Growth of ZnS heterostructures for optoelectronic applications

The growth mechanism and cathodoluminescence of dual phase ZnS tetrapod tree-like heterostructures with the zinc blende structured trunks and the hexagonal wurtzite structured branches were prepared and characterised. The polarity induced growth of tetrapod ZnS trees was confirmed by advanced electron microscopy. Two strong UV emissions (centred at 3.68 and 3.83 eV) have been observed at room temperature, which are attributed to the bandgap emissions from the zinc blende structured trunks and hexagonal wurtzite structured branches, indicating that such heterostructures can be used as unique electromechanical and optoelectronic components in laser and light emitting display devices.