Infrared photoluminescence from lead sulfide quantum dots in glasses enriched in sulfur

•Mid-infrared photoluminescence was observed from PbS quantum dots in glasses.•PbS quantum dots were formed in glass enriched in sulfur.•Narrow photoluminescence bands were observed.

Formation of PbS QDs in the glasses containing a small amount of lead oxide was examined. Oversaturation of sulfur only was sufficient to promote the formation of PbS QDs in the glasses. Upon thermal treatment, absorption of PbS QDs was tuned from 824 nm to 2213 nm. Infrared photoluminescence, especially, mid-infrared photoluminescence from PbS QDs was observed in the range of 1008 nm to 2182 nm. Ostwald ripening of PbS QDs occurred when the heat-treatment temperature was 530 °C or 540 °C, and led to the decrease in the absorption coefficients and splitting of the photoluminescence bands.