Quantum dots self-assembly

Methods for the design of size- and even shape-controlled [186,190,191,370-372] metallic nanoparticles have reached a rather mature stadium thanks to the contributions of the pioneer groups of the last 25 years. Applications in a number of fields of practical Nanotechnology are now moving fast into the focus of R D [203,373]. For an overview on the potential application of metal nanoparticles in the rapidly growing fields of quantum dots, self-assembly, and electrical properties, the reader is advised to consult recently published specialist review articles, e.g.. Refs. [160,281] and book chapters (cf Chapters 2, 4, and 5 in Ref. [60]). In the following three sub-sections the authors restrict themselves to a brief summary of a few subjects of current practical interest in fields with which they are most familiar. 

Keywords Quantum dots, self-assembly, thin solid films, pattern formation, instabilities... 

Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, surface and bulk energy terms strongly compete in determining the shape of quantum dots, and the shape may undergo significant changes with size. Therefore, size is not the sole characteristic that matters. Both in situ and ex situ microscopy methods have been developed that enable a detailed analysis of quantum dot size, shape, and evolution. Such studies have clarified some of the basic physics of quantum dot self-assembly, but it is hardly a field that has been explored exhaustively. Some properties... 

Microrockets Quantum Dot Self-Assembly Self-Assembly Fabrication Sputtering for Film Deposition SupersOTiic Micro-Nozzles... 

Khor, K. E. and Das Sarma, S. (1997), Surface morphology and quantum dot self-assembly in growth of strained layer semiconducting films. Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B15, 1051-1055. 

Figure 7.5. Quantum-dot vertical-cavity surface-emitting semiconductor laser, svith an active layer consisting of self-assembled InojiGaAso s quantum dots (Fasor 1997),...

Toyoda T, Kobayashi J, Shen Q (2008) Correlation between crystal growth and photosensitization of nanostructured HO2 electrodes using supporting H substrates by self-assembled CdSe quantum dots. Thin SoUd Films 516 2426-2431... 

Peter LM, Rdey DJ, TuU EJ, Wijayantha KGU (2002) Photosensitization of nanocrystalline Ti02 by self-assembled layers of CdS quantum dots. Chem Commun 10 1030-1031... 

Medintz, I.L., Clapp, A.R., Mattoussi, H., Goldman, E.R., Fisher, B., and Mauro, J.M. (2003) Self-assembled nanoscale biosensors based on quantum dot FRET donors. Nat. Mater. 2, 630-638. 

Urban, J. J. Talapin, D. V. Shevchenko, E. V. Murray, C. B. 2006. Self-assembly of PbTe quantum dots into nanocrystal superlattices and glassy films. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 128 3248-3255. 

Wang D, Rogach AL, Caruso F (2002) Semiconductor quantum dot-labeled microsphere bioconjugates prepared by stepwise self-assembly. Nano Lett 2 857-861... 

Goldman, E. R., I. L. Medintz, A. Hayhurst, G. P. Anderson, J. M. Mauro, B. L Iverson, G. Georgiou, and H. Mattoussi. Self-assembled luminescent CdSe-ZnS quantum dot bioconjugates prepared using engineered poly-histidine terminated proteins. Anal. Chim. Acta 534, 63-67 (2005). 

Sapsford, K. E., I. L. Medintz, J. P. Golden, J. R. Deschamps, H. T. Uyeda, and H. Mattoussi. Surface-immobilized self-assembled protein-based quantum dot nanoassemblies. Langmuir 20, 7720-7728 (2004). 

Quantum dots are the engineered counterparts to inorganic materials such as groups IV, III-V and II-VI semiconductors. These structures are prepared by complex techniques such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), lithography or self-assembly, much more complex than the conventional chemical synthesis. Quantum dots are usually termed artificial atoms (OD) with dimensions larger than 20-30 nm, limited by the preparation techniques. Quantum confinement, single electron transport. Coulomb blockade and related quantum effects are revealed with these OD structures (Smith, 1996). 2D arrays of such OD artificial atoms can be achieved leading to artificial periodic structures. 

Mattoussi H, Mauro JM, Goldman ER, Anderson CP, Sundar VC, Mikulec FV, Bawen-di MG (2000) Self-assembly of CdSe-ZnS quantum dot bioconjugates using an engineered recombinant protein. J Am Chem Soc 122 12142-12150... 

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