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Definition: quantum dot


A minuscule crystal of semiconductor material composed of various chemical compounds such as cadmium, zinc, tellurium, selenium and sulfur. Less than 500 nanometers in size, these "nanoparticles," or "nanocrystals," react to light as well as electricity and emit their own light across the visible range of wavelengths from 470 to 730 nm.

The applications for quantum dots include medical sensors as well as LCD and OLED display screens (see QLED and QD-OLED). Deposits of quantum dots on solar cell substrates can increase their voltage output.

Quantum Dots Can Replace Color Filters
Instead of using color filters in a display screen, quantum dots can generate colors more efficiently. When beamed with blue light, the color output of the quantum dot is based on its size, generally from one to three nanometers. See QuantumFilm and ULED.