The University of Texas System

Alma Mater Studiorum-universitá Di Bologna

Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche

Giacomo Bergamini

Brian A Korgel

Yixuan Yu

Mirko Locritani

Paola Ceroni

Francesco Romano

Raffaello Mazzaro

Vittorio Morandi

Mariaconcetta Canino

Antonino Arrigo

Systems comprising a nanocrystal and a luminescent chromophore are disclosed herein. The luminescent chromophore can emit energy having a first wavelength. The luminescent chromophore is configured to transfer the emitted energy having a first wavelength to the nanocrystal. The luminescent chromophore can be linked to the nanocrystal via a covalent bond. Absorption of the energy having first wavelength by the nanocrystal can activate the nanocrystal and result in an increase in quantum yield. In some embodiments, the nanocrystal can include silicon, germanium, carbon, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the luminescent chromophore can be pyrene. The luminescent chromophore and the silicon containing nanocrystal can be in a ratio of about 1:1 to 100:1 in the nanocrystal system. Methods of making and using the system are also disclosed.

Silicon quantum dot optical probes

Growing community of inventors

Bologna, Italy

Giacomo Bergamini