Search
Menu
PI Physik Instrumente - Revolution In Photonics Align LW LB 3/24

Particles Could Enable Tougher Encryption

Facebook X LinkedIn Email
David L. Shenkenberg

As we search for ways to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, solar cells have become ever more attractive. However, existing solar cells do not convert solar energy to electricity as efficiently as they could. A type of material called “quantum dots” could enable more productive solar energy conversion. Quantum dots are infinitesimal particles. All of them shine brightly, but those made of lead sulfide and lead selenide can be chemically synthesized also to emit light at infrared wavelengths desirable for communications technology. Such quantum dots could encrypt messages that would be...Read full article

Related content from Photonics Media



    Articles


    Products


    Photonics Handbook Articles


    White Papers


    Webinars


    Photonics Dictionary Terms


    Media


    Photonics Buyers' Guide Categories


    Companies
    Published: August 2008
    Glossary
    nano
    An SI prefix meaning one billionth (10-9). Nano can also be used to indicate the study of atoms, molecules and other structures and particles on the nanometer scale. Nano-optics (also referred to as nanophotonics), for example, is the study of how light and light-matter interactions behave on the nanometer scale. See nanophotonics.
    quantum dots
    A quantum dot is a nanoscale semiconductor structure, typically composed of materials like cadmium selenide or indium arsenide, that exhibits unique quantum mechanical properties. These properties arise from the confinement of electrons within the dot, leading to discrete energy levels, or "quantization" of energy, similar to the behavior of individual atoms or molecules. Quantum dots have a size on the order of a few nanometers and can emit or absorb photons (light) with precise wavelengths,...
    CommunicationsdefenseenergyFeaturesfossil fuelsnanoquantum dotssolar cells

    We use cookies to improve user experience and analyze our website traffic as stated in our Privacy Policy. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies unless you have disabled them.