Quantum coherence of multiple excitons governs absorption cross-sections of PbS/CdS core/shell nanocrystals.

Multiple excitons in semiconductor nanocrystals have been extensively studied with respect to unique carrier dynamics including quantized Auger recombination and implementation in optoelectronic devices such as solar cells and photodetectors. However, the generation mechanism of multiple excitons still remains unclear. Here, we study instantaneous and delayed multiple exciton generation processes in PbS/CdS core/shell nanocrystals. The absorption cross-sections of biexcitons and triexcitons are identical to that of single excitons under instantaneous excitation with a single pulse. In contrast, the delayed excitation using double pulses shows a reduction of the biexciton and triexciton absorption cross-sections. Our theoretical analysis reveals that the excitonic coherence assists the generation of multiple excitons and that the reduction of multiple exciton absorption cross-sections is caused by the reduction of coherent excitation pathways. We clarify that exciton coherences play a key role in multiple exciton generation processes and seamlessly connect the identical and reduced multiple exciton absorption cross-sections.