Quantum dots are tiny particles or nanocrystals of a semiconducting material with diameters in the range of 2-10 nanometers. They are a central topic in the field of nanotechnology and exhibit unique optical and electronic properties that differ from those of larger particles as a result of quantum mechanics. Some potential applications of quantum dots include:
- Single-electron transistors
- Solar cells
- LEDs
- Lasers
- Single-photon sources
- Second-harmonic generation
- Quantum computing
- Cell biology research
- Microscopy
- Medical imaging
Their small size allows for some quantum dots to be suspended in solution, which may lead to their use in inkjet printing and spin coating. They have also been used in Langmuir-Blodgett thin films. Quantum dots are artificial nanostructures that can possess many varied properties, depending on their material and shape. Due to their particular electronic properties, they can be used as active materials in single-electron transistors.
Quantum dots are used in display technology, such as in Quantum Dot LED (QLED) televisions. In QLED TVs, quantum dots are essentially nanoparticles that manufacturers add to the layers of films, filters, glass, and electronics that comprise an LCD. When these quantum dots are illuminated, they re-emit light of a certain color. The size of the quantum dot determines the wavelength of light it emits and therefore the color. When quantum dots are hit with a light source, each dot emits a color of a specific bandwidth: larger dots emit light that is skewed toward red, and progressively smaller dots emit light that is skewed more toward green.
