The Nobel Prize in Chemistry goes to three scientists for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots – tiny crystals that can guide surgeons’ hands in the removal of complex tumors

This year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three scientists for their work on quantum dots – tiny nanoparticles that light up QLED televisions.

The tiny crystals are already bringing “the greatest benefit to humanity” as the clear light they emit is able to illuminate complex cancerous tumors and aid surgeons in their removal.

The scientists are Moungi Bawendi from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Louis Brus from Columbia University and Alexei Ekimov from Nanocrystals Technology Inc. in New York.

Their names were actually published by the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet hours before the official announcement.

In the early 1980s, Ekimov succeeded in creating size-dependent quantum effects in colored glass. The color came from nanoparticles of copper chloride, and Ekimov showed that particle size influences the color of the glass via quantum effects.

This year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three scientists for their work on quantum dots – tiny nanoparticles that light up QLED televisions

The scientists are Moungi Bawendi from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Louis Brus from Columbia University and Alexei Ekimov from Nanocrystals Technology Inc. in New York

A few years later, Brus became the first scientist in the world to detect size-dependent quantum effects in particles floating freely in a liquid.

In 1993, Bawendi revolutionized the chemical production of quantum dots, leading to near-perfect particles. This high quality was required for use in applications.

The particles are so small that their electrical and optical properties are influenced by quantum physics.

They have unique properties and now spread their light from all sorts of devices, from television screens to computer screens to LED lamps.

Researcher believe that quantum dots can contribute to flexible electronics, tiny sensors, slimmer solar cells and possibly encrypted quantum communications in the future.

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The tiny crystals are already bringing “the greatest benefit to humanity” as the clear light they emit is able to illuminate complex cancerous tumors and aid surgeons in their removal