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Lava dots: Rice makes hollow, soft-shelled quantum dots

Researchers at Rice University have created a new type of nanoparticle called lava dots, which are hollow and coated versions of quantum dots. The particles were discovered using a 'molten-droplet synthesis' technique and can be used as catalysts for hydrogen production, chemical sensors, and solar cells.

SourceRice University·JournalNanotechnology·DateNov 19, 2012

Quantum dots brighten the future of lighting

Researchers have successfully boosted the fluorescent efficiency of ultra-small quantum dots to as high as 45%, making them suitable for special lighting applications. This improvement translates to a higher luminous efficiency of about 40 lumens/watt, outperforming existing LEDs and incandescent bulbs.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 8, 2012

New kid on the plasmonic block

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have demonstrated localized surface plasmon resonances in doped semiconductor quantum dots, opening up possibilities for plasmonic sensing and manipulation of solid-state processes. This discovery extends the range of candidate materials for plasmonics to include semiconductors, offering advantages such as d...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 18, 2011

Short-range scattering in quantum dots

Researchers have discovered a short-range scattering mechanism in type-II GaSb/GaAs quantum dots, which may lead to more efficient transport of electrons and improved performance in quantum dot-based devices. This breakthrough has significant implications for the future design of novel quantum devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 19, 2010

A shot to the heart: Nanoneedle delivers quantum dots to cell nucleus

University of Illinois researchers have created a tiny needle that can deliver quantum dots directly into a cell's nucleus, allowing for the study of internal environments and cellular processes. This breakthrough technique uses electrical potential to control the release of molecules and offers precise monitoring capabilities, opening...

New inexpensive solar cell design

Scientists at University of Toronto have developed a new inexpensive solar cell design that uses nickel instead of gold, reducing material costs by 40-80 percent. The design employs low-cost electrical contacts, including nickel, to gather the electrical current produced by colloidal quantum dot solar cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 3, 2010

Fully epitaxial microcavities

Researchers introduced quantum dots into fully epitaxial nitride laser structures, eliminating the need for hybrid systems. This advancement paves the way to further optimization of lasers and single photon emitters in the visible spectrum region.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 16, 2010

Graphane yields new potential

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to extract hydrogen atoms from graphane, creating spaces that resemble quantum dots. This breakthrough enables precise control over the semiconducting properties of quantum dots, with potential applications in advanced optics, single-molecule sensing, and nanoscale circuitry.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 25, 2010

Lasers can lengthen quantum bit memory by 1,000 times

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a method to prolong quantum bit memory by utilizing lasers. By exciting the quantum dot with a laser, scientists were able to block magnetic field interactions and stabilize the magnetic field, resulting in a significant increase in stable existence of the quantum bit.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2009

Singapore scientists synthesize gold to shed light on cells' inner workings

Researchers at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology have synthesized gold nanoclusters that can be used for sub-cellular biolabeling and bioimaging. These clusters are suitable for use within the body due to their lack of toxic metals, enabling scientists to monitor cell nucleus dynamics and study genomic changes.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 16, 2009

'Strained' quantum dots show new optical properties

Scientists at Emory University have developed strain-tuned quantum dots with new optical properties, reducing toxicity and size limitations. These particles can be made mostly of zinc and selenium, emitting light at near-infrared wavelengths, which could improve biomedical imaging and optoelectronics.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 7, 2008

Nanoparticles + light = dead tumor cells

Researchers have developed a novel method to kill tumor cells using nanoparticles and light. The technique employs quantum dots that emit light when exposed to megavoltage x-rays, which triggers the cancer-killing activity of Photofrin. This approach could be more effective in treating deeply seated tumors than current methods.

Study shows quantum dots can penetrate skin through minor abrasions

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that quantum dots can penetrate rat skin if there is an abrasion, providing insight into potential workplace concerns. The study shows that even minor cuts or scratches could allow these nanoparticles to penetrate deep into the viable dermal layer and potentially reach the bloodstream.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSkin Pharmacology and Physiology·DateJul 2, 2008