Context:
The 2023 Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.
About Quantum Dots (QDs):
- They are semiconductor nanoparticles that exhibit size and composition-dependent optical and electronic (optoelectronic) properties.
- They constitute a new class of materials that is neither molecular nor bulk.
- Quantum effects determine their characteristics.
- The properties of quantum dots can be changed by changing their size.
- The discovery of quantum dots and the capability to produce such materials with a high degree of precision using relatively straightforward chemical techniques represented a significant milestone in the advancement of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
- Today it is possible to produce quantum dots with highly controlled, size-dependent properties using relatively low-cost methods.
Read about Quantum Computer and related terms
Applications:
Broadly, they can be used as fluorescent markers to tag and track objects.
- To light computer monitors and television screens – Blue LEDs behind the screen excite these dots, causing them to emit light of different colours.
- To map biological tissues by biochemists
- Employed in photovoltaic cells to enhance light absorption and increase the efficiency of converting solar energy into electricity.
- Nanomedicine
- Some cancer treatments utilize quantum dots for precise drug delivery and other therapeutic interventions.
- As security markers on currency and documents as an anti-counterfeit measure.
Read about the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics – Attosecond Physics
Read about the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine – mRNA vaccines
Source: The Hindu
Previous year questions
Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) Cloud Services
(b) Quantum Computing
(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
(d) Wireless Communication Technologies
Answer: (b)
