Near infrared detectors based on HgSe and HgCdSe quantum dots generated at the liquid–liquid interface

HgSe and Hg0.5Cd0.5Se quantum dos (QDs) are synthesized at room temperature by a novel liquid–liquid interface method and their photodetection properties in the near-IR region are investigated. The photodetection properties of our Te-free systems are found to be comparable to those of the previously reported high performance QD vis-IR detectors including HgTe. The present synthesis indicates the cost-effectiveness of selenium based IR detectors owing to the abundance and lower toxicity of selenium compared to tellurium.