Department of Energy Eyes Nanocrystal Implants for Better Displays

Scientists at the US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated the ability to implant high concentrations of metallic and semiconductor nanocrystals in surface layers of glass, silica and other materials. The researchers' goal is to understand, predict and control the optical and physical properties of nanocrystalline composites to enable the development of faster, smarter computers and better flat-panel displays. The optical properties of such ion-implanted samples that rely on the intensity of the light striking the material can also be useful in developing ultrafast switches that could route signals for the light-based communications networks and optical computers of the future.