Method of controlling quantum dot photoluminescence and other intrinsic properties through biological specificity

US7858386B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force · US

Inventors

• Igor L. Medintz · Springfield, US
• Hedi Mattoussi · Tallahassee, US
• Moungi G. Bawendi · Cambridge, US
• J Matthew Mauro · Eugene, US
• George P. Anderson · Bowie, US
• Thomas Pons · Antony, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 7, 2007
• Grant date: Dec 28, 2010
• Expiry date: Oct 27, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T436/143333
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method of controllably changing an intrinsic property of a quantum dot by using a biological entity, either attached or in close proximity to the quantum dot, and changing the state of biological entity with a controllable mechanism. The change in state of the biological entity controllably changes the intrinsic property of the quantum dot. The photoluminescence emission of quantum dots can be controlled by the present method. The methods disclosed include controlling the magnitude of QD photoluminescence as well as turning the photoluminescence on/off. The methods disclosed include using the same biological control architecture to control other intrinsic QD properties such as charge state, magnetic or other property.