Quantum dots doped with manganese show new magnetic capabilities

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have achieved a significant breakthrough by successfully doping cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) quantum dots with manganese, a feat previously considered very challenging. This doping process replaces nearly 40% of lead atoms with manganese ions, transforming the quantum dots’ emission color from blue to a warm orange with near-perfect efficiency. Unlike typical color changes driven by size variation, this shift results from chemical modification. The manganese doping also imparts magnetic properties to the quantum dots, opening new avenues for their application. This advancement could have wide-ranging impacts across multiple industries. The orange light emitted by the doped quantum dots is beneficial for indoor farming and easier on the eyes, while their enhanced optical properties may improve solar cell efficiency. Additionally, the magnetic nature of these dots could enable innovations in medical imaging, spintronics, and communication technologies. Notably, the doped quantum dots show promise as optically controlled qubits for quantum computing, potentially offering greater stability and less interference than