Researchers at NIST have developed a new method to precisely control the behavior of quantum dots using DNA templates and gold nanoparticles. By placing quantum dots and gold nanoparticles on DNA rectangles, they can predictably increase or decrease the intensity of the quantum dot’s fluorescence based on the distance and size of the gold particles.
The team used laser light to track individual DNA constructs in solution and measure changes in the quantum dot’s fluorescent lifetime. This breakthrough could lead to improved photodetectors, chemical sensors, and nanoscale lasers by allowing precise control over quantum dot behavior.
The researchers’ next steps include building better nanoscale sensors using this approach and developing the necessary measurement techniques to evaluate their performance.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2013/01/dna-and-quantum-dots-all-glitters-not-gold
Keywords: Fluorescence, Nanoparticles, DNA, Lifetime, Metrology
