'Strained' Quantum Dots Show New Optical Properties
Saturday, December 13, 2008 - 15:07
in Physics & Chemistry
The first generation of quantum dots were made from the toxic heavy metal cadmium and had emission wavelengths, and colors, determined by their size. "Lattice strain" created by layers of different semiconductor materials allows the color of quantum dots to be tuned independent of size. Small enough to pass through the kidneys if administered systemically, the new quantum dots are expected to be useful for cancer detection and possibly in solar energy conversion.