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News tips from ACS Nano

New research from ACS Nano explores innovative applications of nanotechnology, such as increasing power conversion efficiencies in solar cells and targeting nanoparticles for gene delivery. The journal also discusses rapid toxicity evaluation methods and the use of nanotubes with nanomotors to enhance speed.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 9, 2008

Research measures movement of nanomaterials in simple model food chain

A new study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) investigated the dietary accumulation, elimination, and toxicity of fluorescent quantum dots in a simplified food chain. The researchers found that while the nanomaterials were transferred across the food chain, they did not accumulate in higher organisms.

Making strides in quantum dot infrared photodetectors

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a quantum dot infrared photodetector that operates at room temperature with improved performance. The device enables thermal imaging at higher temperatures than previous records, opening up new possibilities for applications in medical and biological imaging, environmental monitorin...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 17, 2007

Quantum dot recipe may lead to cheaper solar panels

Rice University scientists have developed a breakthrough method for producing molecular specks of semiconductors called quantum dots, which could lead to better and cheaper solar energy panels. The new chemical method produces four-legged cadmium selenide quantum dots with over 90% tetrapod structure.

SourceRice University·JournalSmall·DateMay 2, 2007

3-D X-ray images of nanoparticles

The new X-ray microscope resolves details down to 17 nanometers, allowing for the study of quantum dots and other nanomaterials in three dimensions. This technique opens up comprehensive imaging capabilities for various samples, including porous materials, semiconductors, and biomaterials.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 27, 2006

Nanoscience study shows that quantum dots 'talk'

Researchers have successfully demonstrated that quantum dots can transfer energy in a "coherent" fashion when exposed to light, paving the way for potential optical quantum computing and medical imaging applications. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more efficient computers, as well as reduced heat generation.

SourceOhio University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 21, 2006

Presto! It's a semiconductor

Penn physicists develop artificial solids from nanoscale crystals, enabling controlled changes in electrical properties. Their findings promise the creation of functional nanocrystal-based devices and circuits with potential applications in electronics.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 4, 2005

Rapid one-pot syntheses developed for quantum dots

The researchers have developed two rapid-solution synthesis methods that can produce robust, water-dispersible quantum dots for bioimaging and organically soluble quantum dots ready for sequestration into a polymer host. The new synthesis methods are scalable and can be used to produce large quantities of quantum dots.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 9, 2005

Method slashes quantum dot costs by 80 percent

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to reduce the cost of producing quantum dots by 80% by replacing expensive solvents with cheap heat-transfer fluids. The new method uses mathematical modeling and experimentation to predict particle size and growth behavior based on solvent properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNanotechnology·DateSep 7, 2005

'Smart' nanoprobes light up disease

Researchers at Rice University developed a new nanoprobe that uses quantum dots to visualize proteolytic activity in vivo, solving the problem of distinguishing between disease signals and background noise. The probes are activated by enzymes associated with specific diseases, allowing for early detection and monitoring.

SourceRice University·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateAug 1, 2005

Scientists find flaw in quantum dot construction

Researchers found a defect in quantum dot creation that hinders scientific experimentation and propose tweaking light beam or pulse duration to overcome the issue. The study also sheds light on controlling electron spin, potentially leading to faster electronic devices.

SourceOhio University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 10, 2005

Mystery of nanoparticles concealed in the blink of an eye

Scientists have developed a method to measure the blinking behavior of large quantities of quantum dots in just a few minutes, revealing new insights into their properties. The approach uses a mathematical tool to analyze light output patterns, allowing researchers to better understand the behavior of these nanocrystals.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 15, 2004

Quantum dots see in the dark

Researchers at USC and UT Austin have developed a device based on quantum dots that can detect infrared radiation in a crucial wavelength range. This technology has the potential to improve night vision goggles, medical sensors and environmental monitors.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 14, 2004

Sandia/UNM self-assembly process forms durable nanocrystal arrays and independent nanocrystals

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and the University of New Mexico developed a simple method to form durable nanocrystal arrays using a self-assembly process. The arrays can be used for biological labeling, laser light, catalysts, memory storage, and relief for physicists. The technique also enables the creation of independen...

The small and the beautiful

Scientists capture real-time video-clips of signal transmission in living cells using Quantum Dots, revealing new insights into cellular processes. The breakthrough is expected to speed up the development of new cancer-curing drugs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 12, 2004

U of T research holds promise for optical chip

Researchers at University of Toronto have developed a material that converts electrical current into photons, holding promise for directly linking computers with networks transmitting information in light. The study demonstrates the conversion of electrical current into light using a promising class of nanocrystals, paving the way for ...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 28, 2003

Observing proteins and cells in the wild

Researchers have successfully tracked multiple living proteins or cells simultaneously using quantum dots, overcoming limitations of traditional fluorophores. This breakthrough enables real-time observation of protein functions in natural environments, holding promise for medical applications such as understanding disease mechanisms.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 12, 2002

'Quantum dots' could form basis of new computers

Researchers at Purdue University have successfully linked two tiny structures called quantum dots to create a semiconductor-based quantum computer. The device uses quantum bits that exist in both on and off states simultaneously, enabling faster processing of information than conventional computers.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 2001

Quantum dot DNA test

A new DNA test developed by researchers at Indiana University uses quantum dots to quickly and accurately analyze large numbers of genes. The test can identify up to 40,000 different genetic codes in just 10 minutes, making it a game-changer for medical diagnosis and research.

SourceWhitaker Foundation·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 16, 2001

'Dead' times between photon emissions from quantum dots proves quantum theory of light

A study at the University of California, Santa Barbara, detects a 'dead' time between photon emissions from a single quantum dot, verifying the quantum theory of light and paving the way for applications in quantum computing and optics. The experiment was performed at room temperature, a significant finding as it demonstrates the robus...

Keeping one’s distance not always a bad thing: repulsion between quantum dots helps determine lasing characteristics, researchers find

Researchers have discovered that quantum dots repel each other, which may govern their self-organization and be crucial for controlling dot characteristics. This effect can help form more uniform and orderly arrays of dots, leading to improved lasing frequency and intensity.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 13, 1999

Breaking Ohm's Law: Moving Electrons Without Voltage

Researchers at Stanford University have invented a quantum electron pump, a device that operates according to the laws of quantum physics. The pump uses slight changes in shape created by electrostatic forces to push electrons through it, allowing for the movement of electrons without relying on voltage differences.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateMar 20, 1999