The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 - Quantum dots
Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 for the discovery and development of quantum dots. These tiny quantum systems have unique properties and many applications: they emit light used in television screens and LED lamps, they catalyse chemical reactions, and their emission marks the borders of tumor tissue for a surgeon. Ana Predojević, is associate professor at Fysikum: "We use the best tools and methods available to modern science to generate quantum light, harness its unique properties, and bring it closer to real-world application."
Quantum dots enable todays computer monitors and television screens based on QLED technology. They also add nuance to the light of some LED lamps, and biochemists and doctors use them to map biological tissue.
"Semiconductor devices and non-linear processes can generate a wide spectrum of quantum states of light that can be employed in tasks of communication, simulation, and sensing."
The world is on the verge of the second quantum revolution, with extremely powerful computers, evesdroping-proof communications and hyper-sensitive measuring instruments in sight. The Quantum Flagship is one of the most ambitious long-term research and innovation initiatives of the European Commission. Its goal is to consolidate and expand European scientific leadership and excellence in this research area, to deploy a competitive European quantum technologies industry, hence, making Europe a dynamic and attractive region for innovative research, business and investments in this field.
What makes quantum dots so special?
The dots show quantum effects because they are very small. Consequently, quantum dots trap electrons, which in return can only occupy defined energy levels. Having only confined, discrete energy levels available, quantum dots can have optical and electrical properties that are different to a large quantity of the same material.
In quantum technologies, quantum dots are used as sources of single photons, entangled photon pairs, and large cluster states.
More information
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Ana Predojevic, University lector, Fysikum, Stockholm University
Placing quantum dots in broadband pillar microcavities
Course: Quantum Chemical Methods in Chemical Physics FK40002, 15 credits
Last updated: October 26, 2023
Source: Gunilla Häggström, Communications Officer, Fysikum