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Controlled coupling of light and matter

Researchers have successfully harnessed the power of quantum mechanics by controlling the interaction between light and matter at room temperature. By using plasmonic nanoresonators to concentrate electromagnetic energy, they enabled the re-absorption of photons by quantum emitters with high probability.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 5, 2018

Assessing quantum dot photoemissions

Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a technique to assess quantum dot photoluminescence emission mechanisms using polyoxometalates. The study revealed previously unseen peak emissions at 410 nm due to bulk defects in the quantum dots.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 28, 2018

Individual quantum dots imaged in 3-D for first time

A new imaging technique uses a super sharp needle to nudge individual nanoparticles into different orientations, capturing 2D images to reconstruct 3D pictures. This method allows for the observation of defects in nanostructures like semiconductors and proteins, which can lead to better characterization and control of their production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateFeb 27, 2018

Quantum dots display promise for polymers

Rice University scientists have developed a stable and economical method to make polymers through photo-controlled atom-transfer radical polymerization. The process uses photosensitive quantum dots as a catalyst, which can be triggered by light sources such as the sun or a household lamp.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateFeb 8, 2018

First 3-D imaging of excited quantum dots

A US research team has successfully imaged excited quantum dots at multiple orientations using a new technique called single molecule absorption scanning tunneling microscopy (SMA-STM). This allows for the visualization of defects in quantum dots, which can be characterized and precisely controlled to improve their performance.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateFeb 8, 2018

Optical nanoscope allows imaging of quantum dots

Physicists at the University of Basel developed an optical nanoscope that can image individual atoms and quantum dots with unprecedented resolution. The technique, which works with two-energy level systems, overcomes the wave nature of light limitations, releasing no heat in the process.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 22, 2018

Extremely bright and fast light emission

Researchers discovered that caesium lead halide nanocrystals emit light at room temperature after just one nanosecond, making them faster and brighter than other quantum dots. This is due to their unique excited energy state, which allows for immediate light emission, unlike traditional quantum dots that rely on a dark state.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 10, 2018

Quantum effects explain changes in nanometric circuit electron flows

Researchers studied a nanometric circuit exhibiting quantum effects due to its small scale, revealing how electrons can transit directly or via a cavity, leading to peaks and troughs in conductance values. The study provides a natural explanation for observed phenomena, shedding light on the behavior of electrons in such circuits.

Getting hold of quantum dot biosensors

Scientists from the University of Melbourne and Huazhong University of Science and Technology have successfully trapped individual quantum dots using an all-silicon nanoantenna. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency of nanosensors in detecting biomarkers at low concentrations.

SourceOptica·DateAug 22, 2017

Let there be light

Scientists have successfully created large-scale arrays of quantum light emitters in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), a breakthrough that could enable the integration of ultra-thin single photons in electronic devices. This new method allows for deterministic and robust generation of quantum sources, opening up opportunities fo...

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2017

Platelets instead of quantum dots

Researchers at ETH Zurich have solved the mystery of producing nanoplatelets, which are flat, uniform crystals with striking colors. The team developed a theoretical model and experimentally confirmed its predictions, paving the way for alternative materials to quantum dots in displays and solar cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 4, 2017

Building a better bowtie

Researchers created bowtie-shaped silver nanoparticles to study quantum phenomena, enabling strong coupling between photons and single quantum systems. The ability to control this coupling could lead to the development of more powerful computing and encryption devices.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2016

ORNL demonstrates large-scale technique to produce quantum dots

Researchers at ORNL have demonstrated a scalable method to produce semiconducting nanoparticles using bacteria-fed sugar at temperatures below 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This approach reduces production costs by approximately 90 percent compared to conventional methods, making it attractive for applications in electronics, displays, solar...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalApplied Microbiology and Biotechnology·DateMay 19, 2016

First single-enzyme method to produce quantum dots revealed

Scientists at Lehigh University have developed a biological method to produce quantum dots using a single enzyme, reducing production time, environmental burden, and cost. This breakthrough could lead to widespread use of QDs in various applications, including sustainable fuel production and water purification.

SourceLehigh University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2016

Quantum dot solids: This generation's silicon wafer?

A team of Cornell researchers has developed two-dimensional superstructures out of single-crystal building blocks, showcasing atomic coherence and superior electrical properties. The discovery has potential applications in energy absorption and light emission, but challenges remain to further improve the results.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 25, 2016