Quantum dots are one nanometer particles with semiconductor properties, made from materials like silicon. Their small size creates unusual properties, with potential benefits including energy and light production. Electrons moving from one band to another create excitons, which fill the space in small crystals to create quantum dots. They have various applications, including as light-emitting diodes, cell staining, and inks to detect counterfeits. Quantum dots can also transmit data and be used as a light source in buildings or computer screens.
A quantum dot is a particle approximately one nanometer in size that has the display properties of a semiconductor. A semiconductor is a solid material that has a certain amount of electrical conductivity. Silicon is one of the most popular materials used in creating a quantum dot.
The quantum dot’s size, one billionth of a meter, can cause it to exhibit unusual properties not present in larger samples of a semiconductor material. These properties could have some benefits for humans, including, but not limited to, the production of energy and light. Unlike some forms of nanotechnology, the quantum dot is not theoretical. It was created in a real environment.
The key to the quantum dot is in the electrons. Electrons occupy one of two bands in the crystal of a material. By providing the appropriate stimuli, an electron, or perhaps more than one, can be encouraged to move from one band to another. As it moves from band to band, it creates a hole, which is positively charged. Together, the hole and electron are referred to as excitons.
The electron and hole in the exciton normally keep their distance from each other. This is called the Exciton Bohr beam. However, if the crystal is small, it fills this space. Once that happens, it changes the crystal’s ability to absorb and emit energy. At this point the quantum dot is created. Different colors can be obtained by reducing or increasing the size of the quantum dot.
The quantum dot has a number of different applications. More quantum dots can be used as light-emitting diodes in signage displays, cell staining for life science observation, and even inks that can help spot counterfeits. Another security application that may soon be realized is luminescent powder, which could be used to track trespassers in restricted areas.
Just like optical fiber, quantum dots can also be used to transmit data. Some estimates suggest that data transfer via quantum dots could increase a million times over standard Ethernet connections.
While these are some of the cutting edge applications, there are also more mundane ones. Quantum dots could be used as a light source in buildings or even as lighting for computer screens.
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