Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Mn2+-doped CdS nanocrystals (1.2 to 2.4 nm in diameter) embedded in organic-inorganic silica xerogels have been synthesized. Extensive studies (EXAFS, ESR and ENDOR) allow us to localize the ions responsible for the bright luminescence observed in such materials (quantum yield of 7%). The average number of Mn2+ per nanocrystal is in the 0.2–0.8 range, and the emission arises from an energy transfer from surface trapped carriers to Mn2+ ions.