2023-08-13 22:10:00
In the age of modern technology, research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (WITH) has taken a big step into the world of virtual reality, using DNA to assemble quantum rods. Let’s find out about this innovative method that could be a game-changer for virtual reality devices.
Flat screen televisions integrating quantum dots are now available on the market. However, creating devices using quantum rod arrangements, elongated cousins of dots, turned out to be more complex. These rods have the particularity of controlling both the polarization and the color of the light, offering 3D images for virtual reality devices.
MIT engineers found a solution using scaffolding of DNA. This process allows the quantum rods to be deposited on a DNA scaffold, thus regulating their orientation, a key element in determining the polarization of the light emitted by the device.
“One of the challenges with quantum rods is: How do you line them all up at the nanoscale so they’re all pointing in the same direction?” explains Mark Bathe, professor at MIT in biological engineering.
The role of nano-structures
For 15 years, nanometric structures made of DNA, also called origamis ADN, are designed by researchers like Mark Bathe. These structures have a variety of applications, ranging from drug delivery to forming scaffolds for light-sensing materials.
In 2022, a publication by the two researchers demonstrated how they used DNA to position quantum dots. Continuing this research, they collaborated with Macfarlane’s lab to arrange quantum rods into 2D arrangements.
Assembling the puzzle
The first challenge was to attach the DNA strands to quantum rods. Chi Chen has developed a quick process to achieve this. These DNA strands act like Velcro, helping quantum rods adhere to a DNA origami template, forming a thin film that coats a silicate surface.
Researchers now plan to create wafer-sized surfaces with etched patterns, allowing them to scale their design to quantum rod arrangements for many applications beyond just microLEDs or augmented/virtual reality. .
“The method we describe in this article is excellent because it allows good spatial control of how the quantum rods are positioned. The next steps will be to achieve more hierarchical networks, with a programmed structure at many different length scales. The ability to control the size, shape, and location of these quantum rod networks opens the door to all sorts of different electronic applications.“, explains Mr. Macfarlane.
DNA is particularly attractive as a manufacturing material because it can be produced biologically, which is both scalable and sustainable, in line with the emerging US bioeconomy. The next step will be to translate this work into commercial devices by removing several bottlenecks, including moving to environmentally safe quantum rods,” adds Mark Bathe.
Synthetic
MIT’s work mark a milestone in the assembly of quantum rods using DNA, offering significant potential for virtual reality devices. By blending biology and technology, this research opens the way to fascinating advances in the world of electronics.
For a better understanding
What is a quantum rod? A nanoscale structure capable of controlling the polarization and color of light.
What is new in this research? Using DNA to precisely assemble and orient these quantum rods.
What are the potential applications? More advanced virtual reality devices, among others.
Engineers at MIT have used DNA origami scaffolds to create precisely structured arrays of quantum rods, which could be incorporated into LEDs for televisions or virtual reality devices. Image: Dr. Xin Luo, Bathe BioNanoLab
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