Nanotech + Art

Figure 1: Quantum Dots from EDN

    

Colors are a major portion of chemistry to determine something's property. This week's lectures directly aligned to the lab work I did for my major with the introduction of quantum dots. Quantum dots are an art in itself with its methods to control and its size which ultimately decides its color. I was able to conduct how my quantum dots grew through cadmium selenium nanocrystals by moderating how long cadmium and selenium would react together, at what temperature, and changing its polarity. Shown in figure 2, my nanocrystals made from the same material shifted in color from shortest to longest reaction time. Essentially, this occurs based on how much an electron gets excited which is based on the energy of the color; red is low energy while blue would be high.

Figure 2: CHEM 185 CdSe Quantum Dot experiment by Jaela Manuel

Quantum dots are used in a wide array of applications like solar panels or TV displays, so it's no surprise that the science of quantum dots winds up in art pieces. Although it can be said that most digital art would technically have quantum dots, art pieces like Samsung’s The Origin of Quantum Dot, takes the combination of the two seriously as they showcased their TV displays to form large installments of artists’ work. The piece was meant to breakdown what the displays were really made of while also promoting the efficiency and clarity of their TV from the power of quantum dots.

Figure 3: Quantum dots for TV Displays in Art by The Origin of the Quantum Dot

References:

1) Gimzewski, James “Introduction of Nanotechnology for Artists Part 4” Lecture. DESMA 9. UCLA. 23 May. 2024

2) Caram, Justin “CdSe Synthesis of Quantum Dots” Lecture. CHEM 185. UCLA. 3 Apr. 2024

3) Fischer, Andreas Nicolas. “The Origin of the Quantum Dot.” Studio a N F, 16 May 2024, studioanf.com/the-origin-of-the-quantum-dot-installation.

4) “Quantum Dots: Everything You Need To Know.” EDN, www.edn.com/quantum-dots-explained.

5) Manuel, Christen-Jaela "Quantum Dots of Varying Color Based on Various Reaction Times" Lab. CHEM 185. UCLA. 5 May 2024