Photodetection in quantum dots

The transformation of light in current, i.e. photodetection, has been exploited in several technologies. From the detectors used in materials characterization to solar cells, the use of performant materials that can efficiently produce photocurrents is inspired by the normal functioning of the eyes. Within them, a photon of light is converted into a current, traveling among neurons to reconstruct an image. When the photoreceptors in the retina do not operate properly, due to age-related or genetic diseases inducing the degeneration of the retina, a significant or complete loss of sight is associated with a lack of current treatments.
Artificially reproducing the functioning of the eyes can be accomplished by synthesizing artificial photodetectors. Inspired by the current interest in producing solar cells based on efficient photodetection materials, like the so-called perovskites, we propose the use of these materials for applications in biotechnology.
We will test perovskite nanomaterials synthesized through green protocols to study their effectiveness in photodetection. The synthesized quantum dots, nanomaterials capable of changing their optical response based on their size, will aim to replicate the photopigments in the eyes in terms of spectral range and sensitivity. The results of this project will have implications far beyond the envisioned application.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gabriella Tessitore

Student:

Partner:

Université de Lille

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Nanotechnology; Biotechnology; Quantum Science

University:

Université Laval

Program: