Quantum dots could increase light absorption by a factor of 20

摘要

By linking individual semi-conductor quantum dots with gold nanoparti-cles, scientists at the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have demonstrated the ability to enhance the intensity of light emitted by individual quantum dots by up to 20 times. The precision method for making the light-emitting particle clusters will greatly advance scientists' ability to study and modify the optical properties of quantum dots, and could eventually lead to improved solar energy conversion devices, light-controlled electronics, and biosensors. Quantum dots are tiny crystals of semi-conductor materials which fluo-resce, or emit light, in response to photo-excitation, and have the potential for use in a wide range of fields, including solar energy.