Chemical Synthesis and Luminescence Applications of Colloidal Semiconductor Quantum Dots

We describe the close connection between novel chemical synthesis and optimized light emission by colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (qdots). We describe how new insights and systematic improvement in synthesis and characterization have led to highly luminescent qdots that are now used in three-color liquid-crystal displays in large televisions. We outline synthetic and structural issues that require further work to enable additional applications in solar concentrators, solid-state lighting, single-photon devices, optical computing, and in vivo infrared medical imaging. Chemical synthesis is the most creative and critical aspect of colloidal qdots.