Colloidal Single-Layer Quantum Dots with Lateral Confinement Effects on 2D Exciton

Controlled lateral quantum confinement in single-layer transition-metal chalcogenides (TMCs) can potentially combine the unique properties of two-dimensional (2D) exciton with the size-tunability of exciton energy, creating the single-layer quantum dots (SQDs) of 2D TMC materials. However, exploring such opportunities has been challenging due to the limited ability to produce well-defined SQDs with sufficiently high quality and size control, in conjunction with the commonly observed inconsistency in the optical properties. Here, we report an effective method to synthesize high-quality and size-controlled SQDs of WSe₂ via multilayer quantum dots (MQDs) precursors, which enables grasping a clear picture of the role of lateral confinement on the optical properties of the 2D exciton. From the single-particle optical spectra and polarization anisotropy of WSe₂ SQDs of varying sizes in addition to their ensemble data, we reveal how the properties of 2D exciton in single-layer TMCs evolve with increasing lateral quantum confinement