Atomic resolution in situ observation on photon-induced reshaping and phase transitions of CsPbBr₃ nanocube and quantum dot

Controlling the photon-induced reshaping and phase transitions of low-dimensional halide perovskites is a significant and challenging task. Using in situ Cs-corrected transmission electron microscopy with a nanosecond pulsed laser source, we traced CsPbBr₃ nanocubes and quantum dots under different laser irradiation conditions, through a low-dose observation mode. We found that a high laser fluence with a short irradiation time (e.g., 300 mJ/cm² in the range of seconds) triggers defect growth and a cubic-to-orthorhombic phase transition in perovskite nanocubes; however, a low laser fluence with a long irradiation time (e.g., 30 mJ/cm² in the range of minutes) is actually like an annealing process that removes defects and gradually reshapes the perovskite samples into a round morphology, with the cubic phase well stabilized by the strong surface tension. Based on the in situ studies, we present a feasible and effective laser engineering approach for low-dimensional halide perovskite materials.