Quantum dot

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Quantum Dots with emission maxima in a 10-nm step are being produced at PlasmaChem in a kg scale

Cadmium sulfide quantum dots on cells high res

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Colloidal nanoparticle of lead sulfide (selenide) with complete passivation

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Gaas inas quantum dot

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CdTe PlasmaChem spectra-en

== Quantum Dot ==

A quantum dot is a nanoscale particle of semiconductor material that confines the motion of electrons, holes, or excitons in all three spatial dimensions. Quantum dots are a central topic in nanotechnology and quantum computing due to their unique electronic properties, which arise from quantum mechanics.

Properties

Quantum dots exhibit discrete energy levels, similar to those of atoms, which is why they are sometimes referred to as "artificial atoms." The size of a quantum dot can be precisely controlled during its synthesis, allowing for the tuning of its electronic and optical properties. This size-dependent behavior is known as the quantum confinement effect.

Synthesis

Quantum dots can be synthesized using various methods, including colloidal synthesis, molecular beam epitaxy, and electron beam lithography. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of control over size, shape, and surface properties.

Applications

Quantum dots have a wide range of applications, including:

• Quantum dot displays: Used in televisions and monitors for their superior color accuracy and brightness.
• Biomedical imaging: Quantum dots are used as fluorescent labels for imaging biological tissues.
• Solar cells: Quantum dots can be used to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic cells.
• Quantum computing: Quantum dots are investigated as potential qubits for quantum computers.

Challenges

Despite their potential, there are several challenges associated with the use of quantum dots, including:

• Toxicity: Some quantum dots contain heavy metals like cadmium, which can be toxic.
• Stability: Quantum dots can degrade over time, affecting their performance.
• Scalability: Producing quantum dots on a large scale with consistent quality remains a challenge.

See Also

• Nanoparticle
• Semiconductor
• Quantum mechanics
• Photoluminescence
• Exciton

External Links

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