Formal definition of quantum dot

In summary, there is no consensus on a formal definition of a quantum dot, but it is generally considered to be a semiconductor with excitons that are confined in all three spatial dimensions. The degree of confinement determines the behavior and properties of the quantum dot, with discrete energy states forming when confinement is present. The dimensionality of the confinement also affects the density of states and the use of quantum mechanics versus classical mechanics. However, there is no strict limitation on the realm of quantum and classical justification, with temperature also playing a role. The presence of discrete energy states is the defining characteristic of a quantum dot.
  • #1
cryptist
121
1
Is there a definition of quantum dot that everybody agrees? I searched intensively both from google and from web of science, but I couldn't find a formal definition.

e.g (wiki says)
A quantum dot is a semiconductor whose excitons are confined in all three spatial dimensions.

confined but how much confined? Is there a consensus on that, like; "when domain size is smaller than most probable de broglie wavelength, than it is quantum dot" or is it about excitations like "if there is no excitation, then it is quantum dot?" But this cannot be since we can make qdots with thousands of particles..
 
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  • #2
cryptist said:
Is there a definition of quantum dot that everybody agrees? I searched intensively both from google and from web of science, but I couldn't find a formal definition.

e.g (wiki says)
A quantum dot is a semiconductor whose excitons are confined in all three spatial dimensions.

confined but how much confined? Is there a consensus on that, like; "when domain size is smaller than most probable de broglie wavelength, than it is quantum dot" or is it about excitations like "if there is no excitation, then it is quantum dot?" But this cannot be since we can make qdots with thousands of particles..

i think,a quantum dot is one that have the properties between bulk semiconductor and molecules.its the defining charectristics of them.
now you can have diffrent size of them,and different types,but the behaviour should be included in those properties(something between bulk semiconductor and molecules)-so it depends somehow on the matter you work on.
 
  • #3
cryptist said:
confined but how much confined?

Confinement leads to quantization. Momentum/kinetic energy in a confined direction are not continuous anymore. So, the appearance of bound states marks confinement. This also reflects in the density of states, when you have confinement in one or more dimensions. In 3D, the density of states (in terms of energy) follows (E-E0)^1/2, in 2D, it follows a Heaviseide step function of E-E0, in 1D it follows (E-E0)^-1/2 and in 0D you just get delta distributions which means you just have a single discrete energy per state.

So if discrete energy states form for a single dot, you have a quantum dot.
 
  • #4
Cthugha said:
Confinement leads to quantization. Momentum/kinetic energy in a confined direction are not continuous anymore. So, the appearance of bound states marks confinement. This also reflects in the density of states, when you have confinement in one or more dimensions. In 3D, the density of states (in terms of energy) follows (E-E0)^1/2, in 2D, it follows a Heaviseide step function of E-E0, in 1D it follows (E-E0)^-1/2 and in 0D you just get delta distributions which means you just have a single discrete energy per state.

So if discrete energy states form for a single dot, you have a quantum dot.

you know,we always have discrete set of energy levels.but as the dimention of the box get larger we see this discreteness harder.
there is no strict limitation on the realm of quantum and classic justification.

if you want certain number,i think you would find nothing.

we say when the debroglie wave of particles(constituents) is about the interparticle spacing,we use quantum mechanical way and if it is much much smaller than the interparticle spacing we use classicall way.and also we consider the temperature.the temperature should be high in classicall way while it is down in Q.Ms.
thats what i know about it. :)
 
Last edited:
  • #5
Cthugha said:
Confinement leads to quantization. Momentum/kinetic energy in a confined direction are not continuous anymore. So, the appearance of bound states marks confinement. This also reflects in the density of states, when you have confinement in one or more dimensions. In 3D, the density of states (in terms of energy) follows (E-E0)^1/2, in 2D, it follows a Heaviseide step function of E-E0, in 1D it follows (E-E0)^-1/2 and in 0D you just get delta distributions which means you just have a single discrete energy per state.

So if discrete energy states form for a single dot, you have a quantum dot.
When you say delta function, you are meaning dirac delta function right?
 

Related to Formal definition of quantum dot

What is a quantum dot?

A quantum dot is a nanoscale semiconductor structure that can confine electrons and holes in all three spatial dimensions. This confinement leads to unique quantum mechanical properties, making quantum dots useful in a variety of scientific and technological applications.

What is the formal definition of a quantum dot?

The formal definition of a quantum dot is a nanoscale structure with at least one dimension smaller than the exciton Bohr radius, typically on the order of a few nanometers. This confinement creates a discrete energy spectrum, similar to atoms, and allows for the manipulation of individual electron and hole states.

How are quantum dots different from other semiconductor materials?

Quantum dots differ from other semiconductor materials in their size and confinement of electrons and holes. Unlike traditional bulk semiconductors, quantum dots have a discrete energy spectrum and their electronic properties can be tuned by changing the size and composition of the dot.

What are the potential applications of quantum dots?

Quantum dots have a wide range of potential applications, including in quantum computing, optoelectronics, solar cells, medical imaging, and more. Their unique properties and tunability make them promising candidates for improving existing technologies and developing new ones.

What are the challenges in working with quantum dots?

One of the main challenges in working with quantum dots is controlling their size and composition to achieve a desired electronic and optical behavior. Additionally, quantum dots are highly sensitive to their environment, so maintaining their stability and protecting them from external influences can be difficult.

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