Devices for Transmission and/or Reception of Electromagnetic Radiation and Methods for Providing the Same

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This invention relates to a device and method for emitting or detecting electromagnetic radiation using nanoscale components. The core structure includes two electrodes connected by an electrically conductive nanostructure (such as a nanowire or carbon nanotube), with a radiation molecule or quantum dot positioned on the nanostructure’s surface. The device can operate both as a light emitter (by recombination of electrons and holes) and as a photodetector (by separating charge carriers upon light absorption). The wavelength of emission/detection can be precisely tuned through choice and size of the quantum dots, and efficiency is enhanced through advanced electrode-nanostructure contacts and control structures.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Highly tunable nanoscale light sources for displays (e.g., in smartphones, tablets, or monitors)
• Efficient and compact photodetectors or sensors for optical communication systems
• Miniaturized and energy-efficient lighting components for medical devices
• Components in quantum communication or quantum cryptography systems, such as single-photon sources
• Integrated optoelectronic devices for data processing or spectroscopy
• Flexible and robust alternatives to traditional LEDs and photodetectors in consumer electronics

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Precise control over emitted or detected light wavelength (high tunability)
• Extremely small size, enabling miniaturization of optical components
• High energy efficiency due to improved electrode-nanostructure contact and reduced electrical resistance
• Option to act as either a light source or a photodetector, increasing device versatility
• Potential for integration into densely packed optoelectronic and nanoscale systems
• Enhanced robustness and adaptability for a wide range of consumer and industrial applications

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention describes a device for emitting or detecting electromagnetic radiation (11o; 11 i). The device comprises a first and a second electrode (14a, 14b), which are connected to one another via an electrically conductive nanostructure (12), e.g. a nanowire or a nanotube (CNT). The electrically conductive nanostructure is designed to receive electrons (16) and holes (18) from the first and second electrodes or to transport them to the first and second electrodes. The device futhermore comprises a radiation molecule/quantum dot (22) arranged on a peripheral surface of the electrically conductive nanostructure (12). The radiation molecule/quantum dot (22) is designed to take up electrons and holes or electromagnetic radiation (11 i) and to emit the electromagnetic radiation (11o) upon a recombination of taken-up electrons and taken-up holes, or to emit electrons and holes on the basis of the taken-up electromagnetic radiation (11 i). The electrically conductive nanostructure (12) is enclosed at least partly by the first or second electrode at an end arranged at the first or second electrode (14a, 14b) in the region (26a, 26b) of a peripheral surface of the electrically conductive nanostructure, in order to provide an electrical contact of the first or second electrode and the electrically conductive nanostructure.