Observation of the quantum confined stark effect in ZnSe/ZnCdSe single quantum well systems

We report the observation of the quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE) in ZnSe/ ZnCdSe single quantum wells grown by molecular beam epitaxy, using photoluminescence. In our experiments the electric field was applied via a reverse-biased Schottky barrier contact. To our knowledge, this is the first observation of the QCSE in any wide gap II-VI semiconductor heterostructure. Significant red shifts, typically 10–15 meV, are detected before quenching. An associated reduction in the transition intensity, consistent with the QCSE. is clearly observed. The dependence of these results will be discussed as a function of quantum well depth and thickness. Complete quenching of the luminescence is observed with applied voltages as low as 5 V. In addition, at lowest voltages, we also detect small blue shifts (up to 4 meV), which we attribute to the interaction between the externally applied electric field and the built-in field of the structure.