Multielectron ionization of CdSe quantum dots in intense femtosecond ultraviolet light.

Multielectron ionization of colloidal CdSe quantum dots under intense femtosecond UV excitation has been studied. By directly probing the absorption from the ionized electron, quantitative measurements of the yield and dynamics of the ionization have been made as a function of excitation fluence and variations of size and potential structure of quantum dots. The results have been explained by an ionization mechanism involving resonant two-photon absorption.