Quantum dots refer to nanoparticles (particles on the nanoscale) which are one nanometre in size. These quantum dots have unique electrical properties, which can be used to store electrons or to transform the color of light. Researchers are studying quantum dots for their potential in transistors, solar cells, LEDs, medical imaging, and quantum computing.
A team of scientist at the National Institute of Nanotechnology, in Edmonton, Alberta, has created single atom quantum dots. While previous study required very cold temperatures to operate, this discovery allowed for their operation at room temperature. This brings us much closer the reality of using single atoms to create better computers.
Check out this animation to see how electrons can be controlled in a predictable way to make a nanosized switch.
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Credits
Module 1 : SEM Image Gallery
Images provided by the National Institute of Nanotechnology, University of Alberta
Module 2: Scale of Nano
Exploratorium: Developed for the NISE Network with funding from the National Science Foundation under Award Numbers 0532536 and 0940143.
Module 3: What is Nano?
Dr. Nils Petersen, Director General, NINT, Micralyne
Maziyar Khorasani, VP Business Development, Biolithic CorporationModule 4: Quantum Dot Animation
Video provided by Robert A. Wolkow, University of Alberta
Module 5: The Numbers on Nano
Palmberg, C., H. Dernis, and C. Miguet. 2009. Nanotechnology: An Overview Based on Indicators and Statistics. STI Working Paper 2009/7: Statistical Analyis of Science, Technology and Industry. OECD.
Module 7: Nano in Nature, World's Smallest
Car
Images and video provided by James Tour, Rice University.
Guitar
Images and video provided by Harold Craighead, Cornell University.
Card
Image provided by David Cummings, University of Glasgow.
Snowman
Images and video provided by David Cox, National Physical Laboratory
Map
Image provided by Paul Rothemund, Caltech.
Image and video provided by IBM – Zurich Research.Gecko
Images provided by Kellar Autumn, Lewis & Clark College.
Images provided by Bjorn Christian Torrissen
Video provided by the Anthony Russell, University of Calgary.Lotus
Video provided by Nanoyou, and The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement n° 233433.
Beetle
Image provided by Jeremy Galusha, University of Utah.
Moth
Paivanranta, B., T. Saastamoinen, and M. Kuittinen. 2009. A wide-angle antireflection surface for the visible spectrum. Nanotechnology. 20(37): 1-7.
Image provided by Dartmouth Electron Microscope Facility, Dartmouth College