quantum dot

physics

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

Quantum dots are extremely small particles, often semiconductor nanocrystals, that exhibit unique quantum mechanical properties dependent on their size. These properties allow them to behave similarly to atoms, possessing discrete energy levels and a finite number of charges.12

Applications of quantum dots are diverse and include:
* QLED screens: Enhancing display technology.1
* Solar cells: Improving energy conversion efficiency.1
* Biomedical imaging: Serving as markers for diagnostic purposes.1

The first known use of the term "quantum dot" dates back to 1985.2

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Louis E. Brus
…work in discovering and producing quantum dots, which are very small particles whose unusual quantum properties depend on their size. He shared the prize with Russian-born American physicist Alexei Ekimov and French-born American chemist Moungi Bawendi.
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…work in discovering and producing quantum dots, which are very small particles whose unusual quantum properties depend on their size. He shared the prize with Russian-born American physicist Alexei Ekimov and French-born American chemist Moungi Bawendi.
Read More

nanotechnology
Communications
More recently, the introduction of quantum dots (regions so small that they can be given a single electric charge) into semiconductor lasers has been investigated and found to give additional benefits—both further reductions in threshold current and narrower line widths. Quantum dots further confine the optical emission modes within a…
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More recently, the introduction of quantum dots (regions so small that they can be given a single electric charge) into semiconductor lasers has been investigated and found to give additional benefits—both further reductions in threshold current and narrower line widths. Quantum dots further confine the optical emission modes within a…
Read More

quantum computer
…extremely small regions, known as quantum dots, and in one of two spin states, interpreted as 0 and 1. Although prone to decoherence, such quantum computers build on well-established, solid-state techniques and offer the prospect of readily applying integrated circuit “scaling” technology. In addition, large ensembles of identical quantum dots…
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…extremely small regions, known as quantum dots, and in one of two spin states, interpreted as 0 and 1. Although prone to decoherence, such quantum computers build on well-established, solid-state techniques and offer the prospect of readily applying integrated circuit “scaling” technology. In addition, large ensembles of identical quantum dots…
Read More