- Quantum dots are semiconductor nanoparticles that exhibit unique optical and electronic properties due to their small size (around 4 million dots fit in a 2cm area). - Current research is investigating applications for quantum dots in areas like displays, solar cells, computer storage, and programmable matter. Quantum dot displays could produce richer colors than LCDs and be integrated into flexible or multi-purpose screens. Quantum dot solar cells may lead to higher efficiency photovoltaics. - The future potential applications of quantum dots include foldable or color-changing screens, invisible solar coatings, vastly increased computer storage capacity, and materials with customizable properties through electron manipulation at the quantum level.

1. Matt Kennedy - 2008

2. Index Quantum Dot Presentation The Quantum Dot Background Where We Are Now Future

3. The Quantum Dot Basically a single electron trapped inside a cage of atoms When the dot is exposed to a pulse of light at the right wavelength and time, the electron is raised to an excited state A second burst of light causes the electron to fall back to its ground state These dots then have the ability to glow Light Emitting Quantum Dots The Quantum Dot

4. The Quantum Dot Quantum dots, are a special class of materials known as semiconductors Semiconductors are a cornerstone of the electronics industry and make possible personal computers Quantum dots special because they are so small, 4,000,000 dots take up 2cm Semiconductor Wafer

5. The Quantum Dot At these small sizes quantum dots enable never before seen applications to science and technology New markets and applications emerge as we continue to innovate , work and master the quantum dot technology

6. Background “ The early semiconductor work of Bell Labs in 1947 led to a whole revolution in electronics” “ When we discovered quantum confinement in nanocrystals in the early 80’s, we knew this would be an exciting area of scientific exploration and discovery” Dr. Alexander Efros

7. Background “ Explorations into the science of quantum dots began decades ago” “ The technology is finally gaining momentum ”

8. Where We Are Now We are at the beginning stages of the quantum dot future Research into harnessing the dots potential is well underway The following illustrate what technology's are to come

9. Future Displays Unlike traditional LCDs, which must be lit from behind, quantum dots generate their own light Depending on their size, the dots can be "tuned" to emit any colour in the rainbow Light Emitting Quantum Dot Solution

10. Future Displays The colours of light they produce are much richer than that of other sources The dots in the near future will be used for extremely thin , bright flat-panel displays Later on the dots will be built into flexible screens

11. Future Displays Imagine a foldable wide screen TV, or a truly foldable phone , right in your pocket Image a future where instead of paint , you have walls which are screens

12. Future Foldable Display Example Foldable / Solar Cell Phone

13. Future Displays Imagine walls that can display movies or the latest TV show Walls that can change colours to your mood, and help you get to sleep Furniture coated with a paint, which can be programmed to show act as a computer or TV

14. Future The opportunities are endless

15. Future Solar Cells The solar cell industry is advancing at a rapid pace, spurred on by the increasing need for new and clean sources of power Quantum dot based solar are poised to play a leading role in this revolution

16. Future Solar Cells Leading researchers and institutions are investigating various ways in which quantum dots can be incorporated into semiconductor surfaces Or inks and deposited onto low cost materials

17. Future Solar Cells Quantum dots are cost effectively produced in bulk via chemical manufacturing techniques This will ultimately lead to lower cost higher output cells

18. Future Solar Cells Imagine painting on your roof, a invisible layer of quantum dot solar cells This could effectively power you whole house, in rain or shine

19. Future Solar Cells Imagine devices that use electricity, have their own solar cell coating This would enable truly wireless power and independence , away from being stuck near a power outlet Or cell phones and other portable devices, never needing to be plugged into the power sockets

20. Future Computer Storage Researchers are looking into a solution to vastly increase a computers hard drive space, as well as fast writing speed So far an answer to this is the Quantum Dot These quantum dots are tiny “islands” of semiconductor which comprise memory, and are capable of creating storage which is large , fast , and long lasting

21. Future Computer Memory Researchers have recently shown that so far quantum dot memory is capable of storing one terabyte (1000 gigabytes) of data per square inch They have also shown that it’s possible to write information to this memory in just 6 nanoseconds That’s blazing fast !

22. Future Programmable Matter As semiconductor technology and nanotechnology have advanced the use of the term programmable matter has changed This is now used to reflect the fact that it is possible to build an ensemble of elements which can be " programmed " to change their physical properties in reality not just in simulation

23. Future Programmable Matter By the manipulation of quantum dots - "artificial atoms" - we can create materials that have some of the properties of real elements Change the electron population in the quantum dots and you change the material

24. Future Programmable Matter Imagine materials with unheard-of durability , hardness, conductivity and insulation abilities, and the ability to transition from one mode to another when needed So effectively you could have a light weight breathable "leather" jacket that turns into high carbon steel when you fall off your motorcycle.

25. Future Other Areas These Include : Medical Dyes, with the ability to diagnose diseases well ahead of time Security Tags And many more, as the technology continues to evolve

26. Sources http://www.evidenttech.com/ http://www.azonano.com/details.asp?ArticleID=564 http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2002/dot.html http://nextbigfuture.com/2006/05/quantum-dots-could-create-65-efficient.html http://sparkingtech.com/tech-sci-news/quantum-dots-may-be-future-of-computer-memory/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_dot Google Image Search – Many Sources Plus Many Others