Formal definition of quantum dot

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the formal definition of a quantum dot, exploring its characteristics, confinement, and the conditions under which a structure qualifies as a quantum dot. Participants examine the theoretical and conceptual aspects of quantum dots, including their properties in relation to bulk semiconductors and molecules.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the clarity of the definition of a quantum dot, particularly regarding the extent of confinement required for a structure to be classified as such.
  • It is suggested that a quantum dot exhibits properties that lie between those of bulk semiconductors and molecules, indicating a dependence on the material being studied.
  • Participants discuss the relationship between confinement and quantization, noting that confinement leads to discrete energy states and affects the density of states in different dimensions.
  • There is mention of various mathematical representations of the density of states in 3D, 2D, 1D, and 0D systems, highlighting the complexity of defining quantum dots based on energy states.
  • Some participants express skepticism about finding a strict numerical definition for quantum dots, suggesting that the transition between quantum and classical behavior is not clearly delineated.
  • A participant raises a question about the interpretation of the delta function in the context of energy states, specifically referring to the Dirac delta function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not agree on a single formal definition of a quantum dot, with multiple competing views and interpretations present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of consensus on the specific criteria for confinement and the definitions of terms such as "quantum dot," which may vary based on context and material properties.

cryptist
Messages
121
Reaction score
1
Is there a definition of quantum dot that everybody agrees? I searched intensively both from google and from web of science, but I couldn't find a formal definition.

e.g (wiki says)
A quantum dot is a semiconductor whose excitons are confined in all three spatial dimensions.

confined but how much confined? Is there a consensus on that, like; "when domain size is smaller than most probable de broglie wavelength, than it is quantum dot" or is it about excitations like "if there is no excitation, then it is quantum dot?" But this cannot be since we can make qdots with thousands of particles..
 
Physics news on Phys.org
cryptist said:
Is there a definition of quantum dot that everybody agrees? I searched intensively both from google and from web of science, but I couldn't find a formal definition.

e.g (wiki says)
A quantum dot is a semiconductor whose excitons are confined in all three spatial dimensions.

confined but how much confined? Is there a consensus on that, like; "when domain size is smaller than most probable de broglie wavelength, than it is quantum dot" or is it about excitations like "if there is no excitation, then it is quantum dot?" But this cannot be since we can make qdots with thousands of particles..

i think,a quantum dot is one that have the properties between bulk semiconductor and molecules.its the defining charectristics of them.
now you can have diffrent size of them,and different types,but the behaviour should be included in those properties(something between bulk semiconductor and molecules)-so it depends somehow on the matter you work on.
 
cryptist said:
confined but how much confined?

Confinement leads to quantization. Momentum/kinetic energy in a confined direction are not continuous anymore. So, the appearance of bound states marks confinement. This also reflects in the density of states, when you have confinement in one or more dimensions. In 3D, the density of states (in terms of energy) follows (E-E0)^1/2, in 2D, it follows a Heaviseide step function of E-E0, in 1D it follows (E-E0)^-1/2 and in 0D you just get delta distributions which means you just have a single discrete energy per state.

So if discrete energy states form for a single dot, you have a quantum dot.
 
Cthugha said:
Confinement leads to quantization. Momentum/kinetic energy in a confined direction are not continuous anymore. So, the appearance of bound states marks confinement. This also reflects in the density of states, when you have confinement in one or more dimensions. In 3D, the density of states (in terms of energy) follows (E-E0)^1/2, in 2D, it follows a Heaviseide step function of E-E0, in 1D it follows (E-E0)^-1/2 and in 0D you just get delta distributions which means you just have a single discrete energy per state.

So if discrete energy states form for a single dot, you have a quantum dot.

you know,we always have discrete set of energy levels.but as the dimension of the box get larger we see this discreteness harder.
there is no strict limitation on the realm of quantum and classic justification.

if you want certain number,i think you would find nothing.

we say when the debroglie wave of particles(constituents) is about the interparticle spacing,we use quantum mechanical way and if it is much much smaller than the interparticle spacing we use classicall way.and also we consider the temperature.the temperature should be high in classicall way while it is down in Q.Ms.
thats what i know about it. :)
 
Last edited:
Cthugha said:
Confinement leads to quantization. Momentum/kinetic energy in a confined direction are not continuous anymore. So, the appearance of bound states marks confinement. This also reflects in the density of states, when you have confinement in one or more dimensions. In 3D, the density of states (in terms of energy) follows (E-E0)^1/2, in 2D, it follows a Heaviseide step function of E-E0, in 1D it follows (E-E0)^-1/2 and in 0D you just get delta distributions which means you just have a single discrete energy per state.

So if discrete energy states form for a single dot, you have a quantum dot.
When you say delta function, you are meaning dirac delta function right?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
7K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
7K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
8K
Replies
24
Views
8K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K