7A70.XX Quantum Dots

Concepts

Particle in a box, semiconductor band theory

Overview

Quantum dots of various sizes will fluoresce in different colours when excited by a purple laser pointer. They do not fluoresce when a red laser shines through them.

Colour Peak wavelength (nm) Radius (nm)
Green 540 2.367454
Yellow 570 2.533894
Orange 600 2.718174
Red 630 2.924941

Details

Equipment

  • [1] Quantum dot array
  • [1] Purple laser pointer
  • [1] Red laser pointer

Important Notes

  • Lasers can cause blindness. Use with caution.

Script

  1. Turn off the room lights.
  2. Using the purple laser pointer, illuminate the quantum dot array from below one cell at a time. The cells should fluoresce in different colours.
  3. Using the red laser pointer, illuminate the array one cell at a time. The cells should not fluoresce.

 

Additional Resources

References

  • PIRA 7A70.XX

Disclaimer

  • Don't attempt this at home!
  • SFU is not affiliated with any external sites linked here and is not responsible for their content.

Last revised

  • 2025

Technicals

  • Original construction: purchased. It is not clear where we bought this, but the University of Michigan has a very similar-looking demo in their video.

Related AV

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If you have any questions about the demos or notes you would like to add to this page, contact Ricky Chu at ricky_chu AT sfu DOT ca.