Por Pedro Jorge (Departamento de Física, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, and Centro de Fotónica Aplicada do INESC TEC, Portugal).

Quantum dots are semiconductor nanoparticles scaled down to a size range where quantum confinement effects dictate size-dependent properties. The capacity to produce these materials in a scalable, reproducible manner has unlocked the potential to manipulate light-matter interactions at the atomic scale, bridging the gap between groundbreaking science and a myriad of exciting technological applications. This breakthrough served as the foundation for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded in 2023.

In this talk, we will delve into the fundamental principles behind their extraordinary optical properties, which include size-tunable emission spectra, high photostability, and quantum confinement effects. Additionally, we will explore a diverse array of applications harnessing these unique characteristics, ranging from advanced displays and lighting technologies to bioimaging, novel sensing principles, and quantum computing.