Photophysics of semiconductor quantum dots

Semiconductor nanocrystals known as quantum dots (QDs) are spherical particles comprising from some hundreds to a few thousands of atoms, with diameters ranging between 1 and 15 nm. They exhibit peculiar optoelectronic properties; in particular, they are strongly luminescent. Since their discovery in the early 1980s and the development of solution-based preparation methods affording an accurate size control, it became clear that these particles represent valid substitutes for molecular luminophores. The interest on QDs as alternatives to organic dyes has increased dramatically, as witnessed by the number of research papers, reviews and books dealing with such nanomaterials.