Nanotechnology, Quantum Dots, and Nobel prize in chemistry 2023

Eyes are the powerful sensors that can detect and recognize different colors. Mankind has developed techniques to produce nature alike colors in the form of various display technologies. The current display technology has evolved from the (now mostly obsolete) cathode-ray tube (CRT) devices to the most recent light emitting diode (LED) and organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices. Another display technology which has still relevance in certain applications is the liquid crystal display (LCD). Emergence of nanotechnology-based products have drastically changed the game and now we are capable of reproducing colors up to 93% to that of the natural colors. The discovery has significantly improved the resolution of the display devices. LED and OLED televisions are common in every household. What led to such unprecedented capabilities?
The answer is 'due to nanotechnology'. The Nobel committee has rightfully recognized the significance of nanotechnology by conferring Nobel prize in Chemistry for the year 2023 to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov "for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots”. The physical properties, especially the emission property, of quantum dots are different from the bulk materials because at that scale quantum laws apply. They discovered the quantum dots and their study has helped understanding of various properties not known before that led to various applications. The quantum dots are now used in display units as light emitting diodes, photovoltaics, biomedicine & environment - especially in bio-imaging, photoconductors and detectors, catalysis and so on. These tiny crystals possess good photo-stability and bright emission properties which have led to better imaging of biological samples in healthcare sector. This is a significant development in medical science as earlier field was limited by low contrast and photo-bleaching of regular dyes used in imaging. Several such nanomaterials are still under study for new applications, and many have already found applications in flexible optoelectronic devices ranging from smart phones to televisions.   




W.R. 09.10.2023

Upcoming: Humanity in the AI and the stone age!

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