From left are Jeonbuk National University professor Kim Hee-dae and master's student Song Hannah / Courtesy of Jeonbuk National University

Researchers led by professor Kim Hee-dae of Jeonbuk National University have identified the mechanism by which graphene quantum dots — ultrafine carbon particles — emit light, a finding that is drawing international attention within the scientific community.

The study, titled "Multichannel Photoluminescence of Graphene Quantum Dots Across Femtosecond to Cryogenic Timescales," was published in Small, a leading peer-reviewed international journal focused on nanoscience and nanotechnology published by Wiley, a global publisher of scientific and academic research founded in 1807.

In this study, the team examined how these minute particles emit light over ultrashort timescales — on the order of femtoseconds — and at extremely low temperatures, finding that the quantum dots can produce light through multiple distinct mechanisms.

Using advanced instrumentation, the researchers were able to closely track the flow of energy within the particles, providing new insight into the processes that generate light. The findings could help inform the development of next-generation technologies, including more efficient light-based devices, sensitive detectors and improved tools for medical imaging.

The project was supported by Jeonbuk National University’s G-LAMP program. Kim led the research, with Song Hanna, a master’s student, serving as the paper’s lead author and professor Lee Ha-young also contributing significantly. The publication is a notable achievement for a graduate student, given the competitiveness of leading international journals in the field.

The study was done together with researchers from the University of Oxford.

"Graphene quantum dots are garnering significant attention as a vital material for next-generation quantum light sources, optoelectronic devices and bio-imaging," Kim said. "This study is significant in that it provides a new analytical perspective for an integrated understanding of the light-emission mechanism of graphene quantum dots, spanning from ultrafast time domains to cryogenic environments."

The team plans to continue studying graphene quantum dots and working with researchers from other countries.

Source: Korea Times News