Thefinancial Express/Bangladesh: Oct 5, 2023

The Nobel Prize in chemistry has been awarded to MoungiBawendi, Louis Brus and Alexei Ekimov for their work on tiny quantum dots,reports AP.

Quantum dots are tiny particles, just a few atoms indiameter, whose electrons have constrained movement. This affects how theyabsorb and release visible light, allowing for very bright colours. They areused in many electronics, like LED displays.

“These tiny particles have unique properties and now spreadtheir light from television screens and LED lamps. They catalyze chemicalreactions and their clear light can illuminate tumour tissue for a surgeon,”according to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Hans Ellegren, the secretary-general of the academy,announced the award Wednesday in Stockholm.

The Nobel Prizes carry a cash award of 11 million Swedishkronor ($1 million).

The money comes from a bequest left by the prize’s creator,Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1896.