QD technology and market prospects in the sectors of space exploration, biomedicine, defense, and security

Quantum dots (QD) are a unique subset of nanomaterials characterized by their extraordinary quantum confinement behaviour. Even though the quantum dot industry is still in its infancy with revenues now reaching $10 million, it is expected to surpass $500 million in 2009. However, in order to leverage the full potential of the QD technology, new fabrication processes must be developed to attain high detectivity and high operating temperature (HOT) photodetector devices. The Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetectors (QDIPs) possess an immense potential for civilian and military applications due to the distinct characteristics stemming from their dimensionality - which provides 3D carrier confinement and the capacity for normal-incidence detection - and their amenability to bandgap engineering - which allows tailoring the peak and cutoff wavelengths according to custom needs. The QDIPs, especially when optimized to operate at higher temperatures, can become critical components in space exploration, defence and security, optical communication, quantum computing and cryptography, and medical imaging applications. Robust and reliable solutions for these fields will command a premium position in the marketplace as by responding to the societal need for secure electronic transactions, exponentially faster data processing, and higher quality diagnostic tools. (C) 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim