Quantum dots are man-made nanoscale crystals that exhibit unique optical and electronic properties. They are semiconductor particles a few nanometers in size, having optical and electronic properties that differ from those of larger particles as a result of quantum mechanical effects. Quantum dots are sometimes referred to as artificial atoms, emphasizing their bound and discrete electronic states, like naturally occurring atoms or molecules. The electronic wave functions in quantum dots resemble the ones in real atoms, and by coupling two or more such quantum dots, an artificial molecule can be made, exhibiting hybridization even at room temperature.
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. The properties of quantum dots are determined by various factors, including size, shape, composition, and structure, such as whether they are solid or hollow. 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, and medical imaging.
Quantum dots are also used in display technology. They are essentially nanoparticles that manufacturers add to the layers of films, filters, glass, and electronics that comprise a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). When these Quantum Dots are illuminated, they re-emit light of a certain color. Developing the technology for the primary QLED colors (red, blue, and green) has been a technological feat. Quantum Dots are usually applied to a sheet of film that sits as a layer in that “sandwich” in front of the LED backlight that’s used to illuminate an LCD. The light passes through the LCD display stack, with the Quantum Dot color filter layer enhancing and enabling the LCD to reveal a wider and more saturated range of colors than would otherwise be possible.
In summary, quantum dots are man-made nanoscale crystals that exhibit unique optical and electronic properties. They are semiconductor particles a few nanometers in size, having optical and electronic properties that differ from those of larger particles as a result of quantum mechanical effects. Quantum dots have potential applications in various fields, including display technology, single-electron transistors, solar cells, LEDs, lasers, single-photon sources, second-harmonic generation, quantum computing, cell biology research, microscopy, and medical imaging.
