The sparse density and small degeneracy of states that can be designed with colloidal quantum dots allows to observe unusual effects with several potential applications. Slower electron cooling in quantum dots, also known as phonon bottleneck, is observed, allowing for "reactivity" that is specific of hot electrons. In transport, conductivity and temperature dependance can be modulated by which quantum dot states are at the Fermi level. In addtion, with the Fermi level at the lowest singly degenerate state, spin blockade is proposed to lead to sensitive and novel magneto-resistance effects.

Argonne Physics Division Colloquium Schedule