Quantum dots are like jails for electrons. Imagine a tiny “box” in which you can trap electrons. Once you do this you can harness the quantum effects that electrons exhibit.
Example: Electrons can absorb energy and emit light of a certain colour, depending on the size of the quantum dot.
Quantum dots are particles that are nanosized in all three dimensions. They behave like artificial atoms, as they can have a fixed number of electrons in a confined space, leading to unique properties that are size-dependent. One of the key areas of interest is their interaction with light, which has led to the development of the field of nanophotonics.
Application of Quantum Dots
QLED TV
Older TV made of LCD can emit lights of colours only in a certain band. Only 1/3rd of what humans can sense.
QLEDs have changed this as they are capable of emitting all colours depending on their size. Thus QLED TVs provide high-definition, brighter and more colorful displays.
Cancer treatment to become more targeted
Quantum dots exhibit specific opto-electronic properties. They can be used for fluorescence imaging where quantum dots are injected in the body which when encounters a cancer cell attaches to it. When you shine a light of certain frequency it lights up and doctors can exactly target these cells.
Quantum dots can also be designed to release drugs in response to a certain trigger like pH or temperature.
Solar cells: With its opto-electronic property, Q-dots are used in solar cells with higher efficiency.
Bio-sensors: Q-dot sensors can detect the presence of pathogens in food or water, or monitor the levels of pollutants in the environment.
Biomedical imaging: Q-dot can revolutionise fluorescence imaging, MRI, and CT scans with its high sensitivity.
Photonics: Q-dot are best suited for photonics-based computing capable of achieving high speeds.
