Quantum Dots Offer an Eco-Friendly Alternative for Infrared Imaging

NYU Tandon researchers led by Associate Professor Ayaskanta Sahu developed environmentally friendly quantum dots for infrared detection that avoid toxic heavy metals like mercury and lead. Graduate researcher Shlok J. Paul, the study's lead author, engineered the solution-based quantum dots to respond to infrared light within microseconds and detect signals as faint as a nanowatt. "The industry is facing a perfect storm where environmental regulations are tightening just as demand for infrared imaging is exploding," Sahu said. The research offers a scalable manufacturing alternative for infrared cameras used in autonomous vehicles, medical imaging, and security applications.