Infrared narrow band emitting quantum dots for high energy physics, medicine and space applications

Abstract

Infrared quantum dots, operating in the near-infrared (NIR, 700-1400 nm), short-wavelength infrared (SWIR, 1400-3000 nm), mid-infrared (MIR, 3000-8000 nm) and long-wavelength infrared (LWIR, 8000-15000 nm) regions, have promising potential in optoelectronics, nanotechnology and military surveillance applications. The properties of infrared quantum dots exhibit quantum confinement effects, unlike bulk semiconductors, where their bandgap energy and emission wavelength can be precisely tuned by controlling particle size, composition, and surface chemistry. The wide tunability and unique quantum confinement effects in these infrared-emitting materials also make them attractive for both fundamental research, health and space technology. This paper focuses on the synthesis, fabrication and characterisation of polymer-based infrared quantum dots and explores the possible applications of infrared quantum dots in high-energy physics, medicine and astrophysics.