Exploring Semiconductor Quantum Dots for Nanophotonic Applications

Abstract

In the realm of nanophotonics, there has been a noticeable increase in demand for semiconductor nanomaterials over the past few years. Quantum dots (QDs) have captured global scientific attention due to their unique optical properties. QDs comprise a semiconductor material core surrounded by a shell with a wider bandgap, which determines their optoelectrical properties. This chapter looks closely at various types of QDs, including carbon-based, perovskite, colloidal, magnetic QDs, and metal-based QDs. The authors examine different methods of surface functionalization and doping to optimize the performance of QDs. QDs have numerous applications in biomedical imaging and nanosensing. QDs are highly suitable as they demonstrate excellent photostability and bright emission, making them ideal for use as both fluorescent detectors and reporter molecules in laser scanning confocal microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, molecular spectroscopy, and flow cytometry.