Spins in Semiconductor Nanocrystals

TL;DR

This paper reviews theoretical studies on how spins can be generated and manipulated in semiconductor nanocrystals, highlighting the effects of quantum confinement, surface states, and impurity insertion.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive theoretical analysis using Density Functional Theory to understand spin properties in functionalized semiconductor nanocrystals.

Findings

Spins can be generated by impurity insertion or magnetic polarons.

Quantum confinement and surface effects influence spin properties.

Theoretical simulations offer insights into spin manipulation in nanocrystals.

Abstract

Semiconductor nanocrystals are being used as hosts to trap and manipulate single spins. Spins in nanocrystals can have different properties than their bulk counterparts, owing both to quantum confinement and surface effects. We will show that spins can be generated in nanocrystals by the insertion of impurities, either magnetic or not, or by magnetic polarons present at dangling bonds at their surfaces. This chapter reports theoretical contributions to this field, where the Density Functional Theory is used to simulate these functionalized nanocrystals.