Quantum dots (QDs) are man-made nanoscale crystals that exhibit unique optical and electronic properties, including the ability to transport electrons and emit light of various colors when exposed to UV light. These artificially synthesized semiconductor nanoparticles have a wide range of potential applications, including use in composites, solar cells, fluorescent biological labeling, displays, lighting, and medical imaging.
Quantum dots – nanoparticles of semiconductors – were first theorized in the 1970s and then successfully synthesized in the early 1980s. When semiconductor particles are made small enough, they exhibit quantum effects, which restrict the energies at which electrons and holes (the absence of electrons) can exist within the particle. As energy is linked to wavelength (or color), this results in the optical properties of the particle being tunable based on its size. By controlling the size of the particle, it can be made to emit or absorb specific wavelengths (colors) of light.
Nanoco Group PLC (LON:NANO) leads the world in the research, development and large-scale manufacture of heavy metal-free nanomaterials for use in displays, lighting, vertical farming, solar energy and bio-imaging.
