Quantum dots, semiconductor nanocrystals and semiconductor particles used as fluorescent coding elements
US6633370B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 7, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/6428
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method is disclosed for obtaining information about an object, as is a system operating in accordance with the method. The method includes steps of (a) placing a plurality of regions onto the object, each region being capable of emitting a predetermined wavelength of light; (b) detecting the light; and (c) decoding information from the detected light. At least one of the regions contains semiconductor particles having a radius larger than a quantum dot radius for a corresponding semiconductor material, and a chemical composition selected to provide the predetermined wavelength of light. The semiconductor material contains at least one of a Group II-IV alloy, or a Group III-V alloy, or a compound comprised of an indirect bandgap material, such as Si or Ge. The concentrations of the alloy or compound constituent elements are preselected to provide the predetermined emission wavelength. The semiconductor material may further include a selected dopant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.