by Sara Agarwal
When you hear the phrase ‘quantum dots’, you probably picture this concept as something that exists in another dimension. Surprisingly, they truly are real and have already changed the way we see and use technology today. These tiny particles, measured in nanometers, are incredibly small but have been creating waves in the world of science.
At their core, quantum dots are semiconductor particles, which means that they can conduct electricity under certain conditions. What really makes them stand out is how they interact with light. When quantum dots are hit with light or electricity, they can absorb that energy and release it as coloured light. And not just any coloured light. Specifically, the colour of the light depends on the size of the quantum dot! Smaller dots emit blue light, while larger ones emit red. This property is known as quantum confinement, and it’s the reason quantum dots are so useful.
One of the most common uses of quantum dots is in displays, like the ones in high-end televisions, smartphones, and computer screens. Infact, advertisements for QLED (Quantum Dot LED) TVs have recently entered the market. These televisions use quantum dots to produce brighter, more vivid colours compared to regular LED or OLED displays. The dots enhance the range of colours by emitting more precise wavelengths of light, creating sharper and more realistic images.
However, quantum dots are not just a shiny new tech feature, but instead are also an advancement in our medical fields. Our standard medical imaging techniques sometimes struggle to produce clear images, especially when looking at complex cells and tissues. And since quantum dots have specific light emissions that are variable, they are engineered to bind to specific cells, like cancer cells, and glow under certain lights. This makes it easier for doctors to detect and study diseases with more precision.
In solar energy, quantum dots are showing promise too. Traditional solar panels are limited by how much sunlight they can convert into electricity. Quantum dot solar cells, however, can be tuned to absorb more light from a broader range of wavelengths, making them potentially more efficient than standard panels.
Quantum dots are revolutionary for the advancements they have made in our world. And as scientists continue to explore their properties, new innovations will help improve our understanding of the world by leaps and bounds
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