Symposium NM12-Transitioning Quantum Dots from Benchtop to Industry

The novel optical properties of quantum-confined semiconductor nanomaterials produce unique static and dynamical optical properties that can be exploited in a range of industry applications. For instance, due to the size-tunable band gaps of colloidal nanocrystal quantum dots, these materials have been widely investigated, and in some cases commercialized, as down-conversion materials in displays, as biomarkers for medical imaging, unique pigments for security inks, light absorbers in luminescent solar concentrators, solar cells, and other emerging applications. Thus, harnessing the full potential of nanomaterials involves a deep understanding of structure-property relationships, and optimization via rational design and synthesis. Additionally, bringing novel nanomaterials to the marketplace requires intimate knowledge of the customer's needs (cost, durability, performance, return on investment, etc), and a well-articulated value proposition.

This symposium brings together some of the brightest minds at the intersection between industry and academia on quantum dots. It will explore how structural modification and controlled coupling of quantum-confined nanostructures can be used to enhance desirable properties in the context of addressing a societal need. It will include theoretical and experimental studies of the effect of size, shape, compositional complexity, surface structure and defects on the dynamics of excited carriers within single nanostructures, in coupled arrays and assemblies, and in functioning devices. It will include industry speakers with first hand experience in commercialization of quantum dot-related products. This interdisciplinary program will explore: the status of the emerging quantum dot industry, product trends, entreprenuership, novel physical phenomena within quantum dots, synthesis/fabrication of engineered quantum dots, applications of quantum dots in functional devices; and more. Industry researchers are especially encouraged to submit abstracts.

Topics will include:

Emerging industry trends and business models for quantum dots
Quantum dot displays and competing display technologies (e.g., OLED)
Rational control over size, shape and composition in synthesis/fabrication
Role of surface ligands and stoichiometry on optical and electronic properties
Probes of ultrafast and nonlinear processes relevant to energy applications
Theoretical/computational studies for elucidating the connection between structure and properties
Conversion of sunlight into electricity or chemical fuels
Electroluminescence and photoluminescence (e.g., solid-state lighting)
Emerging applications for quantum dots (e.g., security inks, biotech, design)
Spectroscopy and structural characterization/imaging of single nanostructures

Invited Speakers:

Alexander Efros (U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, USA)
Moungi Bawendi (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA)
Matt Bootman (Crystalplex Corp., USA)
Seth Coe-Sullivan (Luminit, LLC, USA)
Benoit Dubertret (ESPCI Paris, France)
Philippe Guyot-Sionnest (University of Chicago, USA)
Shinae Jun (Samsung, Inc, Republic of Korea)
Juanita Kurtin (Pacific Light Technologies, Corp., USA)
Changhee Lee (Seoul National University, Republic of Korea)
Doh C. Lee (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea)
Matthew Meitl (X-Celeprint Inc., USA)
Ana Flavia Nogueira (University of Campinas, Brazil)
David Patrick (University of Western Washington, USA)
Nigel Pickett (Nanoco, Inc., United Kingdom)
Jeffrey M. Pietryga (Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA)
Moonsub Shim (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA)
Emily Weiss (Northwestern University, USA)
Jessica Winter (Ohio State University, USA)