We study the effect of the zero- to one-dimensional (1D) transformation on multiparticle Auger recombination using a series of elongated semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum rods). We observe a transition from the three- to two-particle recombination process as the nanocrystal aspect ratio is increased. This transition indicates that in the 1D confinement limit, Auger decay is dominated by Coulomb interactions between 1D excitons that recombine in a bimolecular fashion. One consequence of this effect is strongly reduced decay rates of higher multiparticle states that lead to increased optical-gain lifetimes and efficient light amplification due to involvement of excited electronic states.

• Received 18 March 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.91.227401