QMC & DOE collaborate on tetrapod quantum dot research

Mar 28, 2013    

Quantum Materials Corporation has recently developed and delivered customized tetrapod QD samples for applications being developed by the US Department of Energy National Lab researchers.

As one of the largest sponsors of U.S. technical and military research, the DOE helps to move innovative technologies into the commercial marketplace, creating new jobs and future industries.

Quantum Materials Corporation (QMC) has also agreed to supply customized tetrapod quantum dots to a U.S. government defense related agency in support of a nano-biological project.

More than 110 science-related Nobel Prizes have been awarded to DOE-associated researchers.

Department of Energy National (DOE) Labs, Energy Innovation Hubs and Technology Centers are developing quantum dot and other nanoscale applications.

Relevant applications include solar photovoltaics, batteries, biofuels, physics and biological sciences.

One institute working on the project is Los Alamos National Lab (LANL), which is exploring quantum dot-fluorescent proteins (QD-FP) in devices. They use pH-sensitive fluorescent protein acceptors to produce long-lived sensors for biological imaging. LANL’s use of quantum dots for precise cellular imaging produces valuable data for the hopeful cure or treatment of many diseases and conditions.

QMC believes its technology meets three NNI National Signature Initiatives objectives. These are new advanced materials (tetrapod quantum dots), mass production (continuous flow process) and nano-manufacturing (roll-to-roll printing).

Stephen Squires, QMC CEO commented, “The many DOE National Labs are in the forefront of quantum dot research and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with them. QMC has enabling technologies to help fulfill NNI National Signature Initiatives years ahead of forecasts, advancing the nation’s research rapidly while perhaps saving the U.S. Government millions that can be redirected to application development.”

QMC currently offers high-brightness cadmium-based and ecological cadmium-free non-heavy metal tetrapod QD and can synthesize many Group II-VI inorganic mono or hybrid tetrapod quantum dots.

The firm intends to build out its quantum dot production facilities in the U.S. with full commercial production expected in the fourth quarter of 2013.