title: Feature issue introduction: quantum dots for photonic applications.
abstract: Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals with peculiar optoelectronic properties. Their wide application in light-emitting diodes, solar cells, and the medical and defense fields makes them a potential candidate in the area of photonics and biophotonics. In this feature issue of Optical Materials Express, together with Optics Express we focus on different aspects of semiconducting nanocrystals research, especially on the advances in the synthesis, physical properties, and application of QDs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Advanced Materials, Hannam University, Daejeon, South Korea. kslee@hnu.kr
authors.forename: Kwang-Sup
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Paras N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Prasad
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Huyet
authors.forename: Chee Hing
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D001703:Biophysics / Q000379:methods; D008027:Light; D053758:Nanoparticles; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D017785:Photons; D045663:Quantum Dots; D012666:Semiconductors; D012993:Solar Energy; D013696:Temperature