Room-Temperature Quantum Emission from Cu_Zn-V_S Defects in ZnS:Cu Colloidal Nanocrystals

We report room-temperature observations of Cu_Zn-V_S quantum emitters in individual ZnS:Cu nanocrystals (NCs). Using time-gated imaging, we isolate the distinct ∼3-μs-long, red photoluminescence (PL) emission of Cu_Zn-V_S defects, enabling their precise identification and statistical characterization. The emitters exhibit distinct blinking and photon antibunching, consistent with individual NCs containing two to four Cu_Zn-V_S defects. The quantum emitters’ PL spectra show a pronounced blue shift compared to NC dispersions, likely due to photochemical and charging effects. Emission polarization measurements of quantum emitters are consistent with a σ-character optical dipole transition and the symmetry of the Cu_Zn-V_S defect. These observations motivate further investigation of Cu_Zn-V_S defects in ZnS NCs for use in quantum technologies.