A Quantum Dot Shows Its True Colors

Nanoparticles previously thought to glow in only a single color turn out to produce a rainbow of hues, making them more useful for highly efficient electronic displays.

Researchers are developing tiny particles that can glow in a range of colors for use in electronic displays and other devices. They have thought that a promising type of these so-called quantum dots made with manganese could only glow orange, but now a team reports in Physical Review Letters that—based on images of many individual particles—they can shine in a range of hues from green to red. The team says their results may lead to new types of lighting, screen displays, and even solar panels.