Theoretical investigations on the g factors and local structures for Cu2+ in the ZnX (X= O,S and Se) nanocrystals

ABSTRACT

The g factors and local structures for Cu²⁺ in the ZnX (X = O, S and Se) nanocrystals at room temperature are theoretically investigated by the perturbation calculations for a tetragonally distorted tetrahedral 3d⁹ cluster in a consistent way, and the isotropic g factor is predicted for the ZnS:Cu²⁺ nanocrystals at room temperature. The bond angles θ between the four equivalent Cu²⁺?X^2? bonds and the C₄ axis are found to be about 1.26°, 1.24° and 1.07°, respectively, larger in the ZnO, ZnS and ZnSe nanocrystals than that (θ₀ ≈ 54.74°) for an ideal tetrahedron, inducing tetragonally compressed tetrahedra. The declining tendency (ZnO > ZnS > ZnSe) of the tetragonal angular distortion Δθ (= θ ? θ₀) can be ascribed to the decreasing strength of the dynamic Jahn–Teller effect via the vibration interactions of the [CuX₄]^6? groups due to the weakening Cu²⁺?X^2? bonding. The isotropic g factors are attributable to the appropriate Δθ due to the dynamic Jahn–Teller effect and the internal stress. The slightly increasing (ZnO < ZnS < ZnSe) g factors can be illustrated by the declining cubic field parameter Dq, angular distortion Δθ and covalency factor N of the systems.