Recentemente, uma implementação de um conjunto universal de portas lógicas de um e dois qubits para computação quântica usando estados de spin de pontos quânticos de um único elétron foi proposta. Estes resultados nos motivaram a desenvolver um estudo teórico formal do correspondente modelo de dois spins colocados em um campo magnético externo e acoplados por uma interação mútua de Heisenberg dependente do tempo. Nós então consideramos a assim chamada equação de dois spins, a qual descreve sistemas quânticos de quatro níveis de energia. Uma útil propriedade dessa equação é que o correspondente problema para o caso de campos magnéticos externos paralelos pode ser reduzido ao problema de um único spin em um campo externo efetivo. Isso nos permite gerar uma série de soluções exatas para a equação de dois spins a partir de soluções exatas já conhecidas da equação de um spin. Com base neste fato, nós construímos e apresentamos neste estudo uma lista de novas soluções exatas para a equação de dois spins para diferentes configurações de campos externos e de interação entre as partículas. Utilizando algumas destas soluções obtidas, estudamos a dinâmica da entropia de emaranhamento dos respectivos sistemas considerando diferentes estados de spins inicialmente separáveis. / Recently, an implementation of a universal set of one- and two-qubit logic gates for quantum computing using spin states of single-electron quantum dots was proposed. These results motivated us to develop a formal theoretical study of the corresponding model of two spins placed in an external magnetic field and coupled by a time-dependent mutual interaction of Heisenberg. We then consider the so-called two-spin equation, which describes four-level quantum systems. A useful property of this equation is that the corresponding problem for the case of parallel external magnetic fields can be reduced to the problem of a single spin in an effective external field. This allows us to generate a series of exact solutions for the two-spin equation from the already known exact solutions of the one-spin equation. Based on this fact, we construct and present in this study a list of new exact solutions for the two-spin equation for different configurations of external fields and interaction between particles. Using some of these solutions obtained, we study the dynamics of the entropy of entanglement of the respective systems considering different initially separable spins states.

Orientador: Fernando Iikawa / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Fisica Gleb Wataghin. / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-12T12:58:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Gomes_PauloFreitas_D.pdf: 14344200 bytes, checksum: 55a7f7d3b644c0dc43151a411d53757b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Resumo: No presente trabalho apresentamos um estudo da luminescência de érbio em nanocristais de silício (nc-Si) e nanofios de óxido de zinco (nw-ZnO). Os nanocristais de silício com érbio são obtidos através do tratamento térmico de filmes finos amorfos de sub-óxidos de silício (SiOx) preparados por rf-sputtering, variando a concentração de Oxigênio e érbio durante o crescimento. O érbio é adicionado aos filmes cobrindo parcialmente a superfície do alvo de silício com pequenos cacos de érbio metálico. Medidas de espectroscopia Raman e microscopia eletrônica de alta resolução (HRTEM) fornecem o tamanho e densidade de nanocristais em cada amostra. Medidas de fotoluminescência (PL) dos nanocristais na temperatura ambiente mostram que o tamanho dos nanocristais varia com a concentração de oxigênio e temperatura de tratamento térmico. A dependência da PL dos nanocristais com a temperatura pode ser entendida considerando a competição entre processos radiativos e não-radiativos. Em amostras com érbio a taxa de recombinação não-radiativa é maior que nas amostras sem érbio. O estudo da PL dos nanocristais e dos íons Er3+ mostra que o Er3+ funciona como um centro de recombinação não-radiativa para a energia proveniente da recombinação de portadores nos nanocristais. Neste caso, parte da energia gerada nos nanocristais é transferida para os íons Er3+ ao invés de ser emitida na forma de fótons. Também é possível observar que a intensidade da PL do Er3+ depende da intensidade da PL dos nanocristais e é maior em amostras contendo nanocristais de ~3nm (que emitem em ~1,5eV), indicando que a transferência é ressonante (com a excitação 4I15/2 ---> 4I9/2 do Er3+ que corresponde a uma energia de 1,5eV). Os nanofios de ZnO com érbio são preparados por deposição vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) e por electrospinning. Em amostras preparadas por VLS, o érbio é depositado sobre os nanofios após sua preparação. No electrospinning um composto organometálico de érbio é adicionado ao polímero precursor. É observada luminescência de érbio quando as amostras são excitadas com um comprimento de onda ressonante com algum nível mais energético do Er3+. Nanocristais de E2O3 são observados por HRTEM na superfície dos nanofios preparados por VLS. Medidas de EXAFS revelam que a vizinhança do Er nessas amostras é idêntica à do óxido Er2O3, indicando que não ocorreu dopagem substitucional do ZnO. / Abstract: We present a study of erbium luminescence in silicon nanocrystals (nc-Si) and zinc oxide nanowires (nw-ZnO). Silicon nanocrystals are produced by annealing of amorphous sub-oxide thin films (SiOx) prepared by rf-sputtering varying the oxygen and erbium concentration during growth. Erbium is added by partially covering the silicon target surface with small pieces of metallic erbium. Raman spectroscopy and HRTEM measurements reveal the size and density of nanocrystals in each sample. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements at room temperature show that the nanocrystal size changes with oxygen concentration and annealing temperature. The PL dependence on the temperature can be understood considering a competition between radiative and non-radiative processes. In samples with erbium the non-radiative recombination rate is higher than in samples without erbium. The study of the nanocrystal and Er3+ PL show that Er3+ behaves as non-radiative recombination centers for excited carriers in the nanocrystals. Part of the energy from the nanocrystals is transferred to Er3+ instead of being emitted as light. The Er3+ PL intensity depends on the nanocrystal PL intensity and is higher in samples containing nanocrystals ~3nm (which emit at ~1.5eV), indicating that the energy transfer is resonant (with the 4I15/2 -----> 4I9/2 Er3+excitation at ~1.5eV) ZnO nanowires were prepared by vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) deposition and by electrospinning. In the VLS method erbium is deposited on the nanowires after growth. In the electrospinning method a metallorganic compound is added to the polymer precursor. Erbium PL is observed when the samples are excited by one of the Er3+ higher transitions. Er2O3 nano-crystals are observed by HRTEM on the surface of the nanowires prepared by VLS. EXAFS measurements in these samples show that the Erneighborhood is identical to that of E2O<>3 indicating that there was no substitutional / Doutorado / Física / Doutor em Ciências

Orientador: Carlos Lenz Cesar / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Fisica Gleb Wataghin / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-23T20:12:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Almeida_DiogoBurigo_D.pdf: 7807831 bytes, checksum: 390e528a067489b2db1d8e3cece5af0f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: Pontos Quânticos (PQs) são nanocristais (mais comumente compostos de materiais semicondutores) cujo tamanho é menor do o raio de Bohr de seu éxciton. Devido às suas dimensões reduzidas ocorre confinamento quântico dos portadores de carga que confere aos PQs propriedades ópticas diferentes do material bulk e que podem ser ajustadas através do tamanho. A relativa facilidade de ajuste das propriedades ópticas do material, conforme desejado, faz dos PQs excelente candidatos a uma infinidade de aplicações. Este trabalho, focado em PQs coloidais, explora três frentes do estudo destas nanoestruturas. Primeiro, discutimos os métodos de fabricação destes materiais e como atingir as propriedades ópticas desejadas. Os resultados experimentais de fabricação contemplam duas técnicas: um método aquoso e a fabricação de PQs coloidais por ablação a laser, síntese relativamente nova, mas que apresentou resultados muito promissores, como a obtenção de PQs de CdTe fluorescentes encapados com tiol e o sucesso na síntese de PQs de vários outros materiais usando a mesma montagem experimental. A segunda frente de trabalho desta tese lida com as aplicações biológicas dos PQs. O vasto histórico de colaborações na área das ciências da vida de nosso grupo de pesquisa motivou as aplicações de nossas amostras para este fim. São apresentados estudos de PQs de CdTe utilizados como marcadores fluorescentes em parasitos vivos, nos quais apresentamos protocolos de marcação e concentração adequada de PQs para a execução de estudos in vivo dos parasitos. Mesmo sendo exploradas há décadas, as propriedades dos PQs possuem muitos aspectos em aberto e ainda são objeto de controvérsia. A contribuição de nosso trabalho para esta discussão encontra-se na seção de caracterização. Neste trecho realizamos uma discussão sobre as modelagens dos níveis de energia dos PQs e o efeito do confinamento quântico nestes níveis. Na parte experimental, realizamos um trabalho de instrumentação, construindo uma plataforma de microscopia confocal com criostato, para que fosse possível a realização de medidas de fotoluminescência de excitação por absorção de dois fótons em função da temperatura. Esta medida permite o acesso a transições eletrônicas proibidas em processos de dois fótons. Sendo assim, este experimento permite visualizar um panorama mais completo da estrutura de bandas x dos PQs, contribuindo para o melhor entendimento do comportamento dos portadores no interior dos nanocristais / Abstract: Quantum dots (QDs) are nanocrystals (usually made out of a semiconductor material), whose exciton Bhor radius exceeds their size. The quantum confinement applied to its charge carriers, due to its reduced dimensions, induces in the QD the change of its optical properties that can be controlled by changing the QD¿s size. The relative easiness that one can design the material¿s optical properties makes the QDs an excellent candidate to myriad of applications. This work, focused in colloidal PQs, explores three fronts of these nanostructures¿ study. First of all, we discuss the fabrication methods of these materials and how to manage to reach its desired optical properties. The experimental results from fabrication processes reach two techniques: an aqueous method and the colloidal QDs fabrication by laser ablation, a relatively new synthesis route that presented very promising results, mainly concerning the versatility of this method in the choice of the QD material. The second front of work deals with the biological applications of the QDs. Our research group has a vast historic in collaborations in the biological field and was natural, thus, that our samples were tested if this finality. In this work it is presented studies that use our CdTe QDs samples as fluorescent marker in live parasites. It is also shown results that indicated the QDs doses which the biological structures can handle without substantial damage. Even though they have been explored for decades, the QDs¿ properties description still has several open questions. Our work¿s contribution to this matter is contained in the characterization sections. There, we firstly discuss the models used in the energy levels calculations and the influence of the quantum confinement in these levels. In the experimental bit, it is described the instrumentation work required to make possible measurements of photoluminescence excitation by two photon absorption processes. This measurement allows the access of forbidden electronic transitions by one photon absorption. With that, it is possible to construct a more complete scene of the QDs band structure, contributing to the better understanding of the behavior of the carriers inside the nanocrystals / Doutorado / Física / Doutor em Ciências

Submitted by Etelvina Domingos (etelvina.domingos@ufpe.br) on 2015-03-03T19:50:33Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Tese Thatiana Stamford-Arnaud.pdf: 4238948 bytes, checksum: cc5572bb63cc1af251398ed4dd44cdd8 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-03T19:50:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Tese Thatiana Stamford-Arnaud.pdf: 4238948 bytes, checksum: cc5572bb63cc1af251398ed4dd44cdd8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-09 / CNPq / O desenvolvimento de novos materiais baseados no uso da quitosana, a serem empregados em aplicações tecnológicas e biomédicas, é um campo de pesquisa que tem despertado grande interesse. Partículas nanométricas de quitosana têm sido utilizadas com eficiência como carreadores de fármacos, e recentemente, estão sendo estudadas como funcionalizantes de marcadores tumorais. Alguns trabalhos relatam a incorporação de compostos fluorescentes, tais como o FITC (Isotiocianato de Fluoresceína) em nanopartículas de quitosana para a marcação de cultura de células neoplásicas. No entanto, os fluoróforos orgânicos apresentam elevada fotoinstabilidade, além de alto grau de toxicidade em relação a sistemas biológicos. Portanto, o presente trabalho propõe a síntese de quantum dots de semicondutores e sua funcionalização com nanopartículas de cloridrato de quitosana (NCQ) obtidas através do método de gelificação iônica com o tripolifosfato de pentasódio (TPP). Para saber qual a NCQ ideal para esta funcionalização foi feito um estudo preliminar variando o grau de desacetilação e despolimerização a fim de obter nanopartículas com propriedades específicas para a aplicabilidade sugerida no presente trabalho. As técnicas utilizadas para obter a caracterização estrutural, grau de desacetilação e despolimerização das quitosanas foram respectivamente: espectroscopia vibracional na região do infravermelho, análise elementar / ressonância magnética nuclear e medidas de viscosidade. A caracterização morfológica das nanopartículas de quitosana e a determinação do tamanho médio das partículas foram realizadas através da microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET) e por medidas de espalhamento dinâmico de luz (DLS), respectivamente. A estabilidade do nanocompósito foi verificada através de medidas de Potencial Zeta. Foram feitos testes de biocompatibilidade dos nanocompósitos através da membrana corialantóide do ovo e pelo método do MTT. A marcação deste nanocompósito inédito em células neoplásicas pulmonares (linhagem NCI-H292) foi observada pela microscopia de fluorescência. Os resultados obtidos comprovaram que o CdS passivado com Cd(OH) e funcionalizado com NCQ na proporção de 50:1 conseguiu marcar culturas de células de câncer de pulmão. Os testes realizados com as membranas corialantóide do ovo sugeriram que o CdS e o CdS/Cd(OH)2 são irritantes. No entanto, o método de MTT mostrou que o CdS/Cd(OH)2, as NCQ e o NC não apresentam atividade citotóxica.

Magister Scientiae - MSc / Cancer, the second most common cause of death after heart disease, is a complex and multifactorial disease that up to date is still under extensive research. To achieve early detection of cancer disease the discovery of specific, sensitive and reliable biomarkers is required. Telomerase is a ribonucleo-protein complex that has been identified as an important target for cancer diagnostics and cancer therapy, because 85% of more than 950 primary tumours express telomerase activity. The standard method for the detection and quantification of telomerase activity is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay known as the telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay. TRAP and other methods developed for telomerase detection have limitations for example its time consuming, requires complicated machinery, expensive equipment and reagents thus there is a need for a more sensitive, reliable and high-throughput method. Electrochemical biosensors are quickly emerging as an alternative for early detection of cancer because they can be designed to detect developing cancer biomarkers and to allow improved monitoring of cancer growth and patient therapy. This research study reported for the first time the successful fabrication and implementation of highly sensitive 3-mercaptopropionic acid indium telluride quantum dots (3MPA-In2Te3 QDs) based genosensor for detection of telomerase biomarker. The colloidal poly-dispersed 3MPA-In2Te3 QDs introduced into the genosensor system were successfully synthesized by a simple, inexpensive and reproducible aqueous method. The as prepared 3MPA-In2Te3 QDs was characterized by Ultraviolet Visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy, Fluorescence (FL) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and High Resolution Transmission/Scanning Electron Microscopy (HR TEM/SEM). Electro-analysis of 3MPA-In2Te3 QDs was done by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). HR-TEM studies revealed formation of small sized QDs about 6 nm in diameter while UV-VIS studies showed presence of iv absorption peaks in the ultraviolet region (100-400 nm) which confirmed the formation of these small sized QDs. The good electrochemical, optical, physical and chemical properties of the 3MPA-In2Te3 QDs allowed them to be used as a mediating platform between deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and gold electrode (AuE). The successful detection of telomerase was achieved by hybridization process between the probe single stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) drop coated on the 3MPA-In2Te3 QDs/AuE surface and its complementary ssDNA in biological buffer solution (0.10 M tris-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (TE) buffer solution, pH 8.00). The response of the 3MPA-In2Te3 QDs based genosensor towards different concentration of complementary ssDNA was studied by CV, square wave voltammetry (SWV) and EIS. It was observed that all three analytical techniques exhibited good linearity since their linear correlation coefficients (R2) corresponded to 0.99. However, it was observed that EIS was the best technique for the detection of telomerase compared to both CV and SWV since it showed a higher sensitivity (2.44 Ω/nM) towards detecting telomerase with a detection limit as low as 0.00014 ng/mL. Control experiments were also carried out by monitoring the hybridization process in the presence and absence of complementary ssDNA and it was determined that the QDs based genosensor was highly selective towards complementary ssDNA. In view of the attractive analytical characteristics and advantages, the ultimate goal of the developed QDs based genosensor is to apply it in real clinical samples of cancer cells or bodily fluids of cancer patients for the detection of telomerase cancer biomarker.

Mes travaux de thèse portent sur l’interaction de type FRET (tranfert d’énergie résonant de Förster) entre une nanostructure semiconductrice colloïdale individuelle et le graphène. La première partie concerne l’établissement de la théorie du FRET et ce pour plusieurs types de nanostructures. Vient ensuite la partie expérimentale, à commencer par le montage optique ainsi que les méthodes d’analyse, tant pour la spectroscopie que pour la photoluminescence. Par la suite, nous décrivons les résultats obtenus pour divers types de nanocristaux sphériques en interaction directe avec le graphène (incluant des multicouches) : le transfert d’énergie a des effets drastiques sur la photoluminescence mais aussi sur le clignotement des nanocristaux. Puis nous étudions la dépendance du FRET avec la distance ; dans le cas des boîtes quantiques, nous observons une loi en 1/z^4. Par contre, dans le cas de nanoplaquettes, la fonction est plus complexe et dépend de la température. / My PhD subject is the FRET interaction (Förster-like resonant energy transfer) between single colloidal semiconductor nanostructures and graphene. The first part is about the development of the interaction theory with the graphene for several types of nanostructures. Then comes the experimental part, and firstly the optical setup together with the analysis methods, for both spectroscopy and photoluminescence. After that, we describe our results about different types of spherical nanocrystals directly interacting with graphene (which can be multilayer) : the energy transfer has a huge effect on the photoluminescence, as well as the blinking behaviour of the nanocrystals. Then we measure the dependency of the energy transfer as a function the distance ; in the case of quantum dots, we observe a 1/z^4 law. On another hand, in the case of nanoplatelets, the function is more complex and depends on the temperature.

Self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots have attracted considerable interest recently, ranging from fundamental studies of quantum optics to advanced applications in the field of quantum information science. With their atom-like properties, quantum dot based nanophotonic devices may also substantially contribute to the development of quantum computers. This work presents experimental progress towards the understanding of light-matter interactions that occur beyond well-understood monochromatic resonant light scattering processes in semiconductor quantum dots. First, we report measurements of resonance fluorescence under bichromatic laser excitation. With the inclusion of a second laser, both first-order and second-order correlation functions are substantially altered. Under these conditions, the scattered light exhibits a rich spectrum containing many spectral features that lead to a range of nonlinear multiphoton dynamics. These observations are discussed and compared with a theoretical model. Second, we investigated the light scattered by a quantum dot in the presence of spectral filtering. By scanning the tunable filters placed in front of each detector of a Hanbury-Brown and Twiss setup and recording coincidence measurements, a \two-photon spectrum" has been experimentally reconstructed for the first time. The two-photon spectrum contains a wealth of information about the cascaded emission involved in the scattering process, such as transitions occurring via virtual intermediate states. Our measurements also reveal that the scattered frequency-filtered light from a quantum dot violates the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality. Finally, Franson-interferometry has been performed using spectrally filtered light from quantum dot resonance fluorescence. Visibilities exceeding the classical limit were demonstrated by using a pair of folded Mach-Zehnder interferometers, paving the way for producing single time-energy entangled photon pairs that could violate Bell's inequalities.

Le but de cette thèse a été de caractériser des boîtes quantiques obtenues avec une nouvelle méthode de croissance. Utilisant des techniques de microphotoluminescence, nous avons étudié les différentes contributions au mélange des bandes de trous lourds et de trous légers. En l'absence de contrainte, la distribution du paramètre de mélange est plus homogène ; cependant, d'autres contributions deviennent dominantes et nous les avons discutées. Nous avons mesuré les paramètres magnéto-optiques : facteurs Landé de l'électron et du trou, décalage diamagnétique, paramètres de structure fine des états noirs et brillants. Les valeurs obtenues ont permis d'estimer la variation des paramètres géométriques des boîtes, ce qui est lié à la qualité du contrôle de la croissance. La polarisation des états noirs mesurée s'est révélée différente de celle prévue selon le modèle utilisé précédemment dans la littérature. Utilisant un modèle théorique récent, nous avons reproduit nos observations, ce qui met en évidence une modulation possible de la polarisation des états noirs par le champ magnétique. Finalement, nous avons effectué des études de contrôle de charges dans des structures n-i Schottky. Pour des boîtes uniques, des états multichargés ont été observés. Nous avons mesuré les énergies de liaison des trions positif et négatif, au préalable à une étude sur des molécules de boîtes. Nous avons observé des anticroisements des états S des trous dans deux boîtes, en accord avec nos prévisions basées sur les paramètres nominaux de l'échantillon. / The goal of this thesis work was to characterise quantum dots obtained by a novel growth method. We used microphotoluminescence techniques to study multiple properties of these dots. We have evaluated main contributions to light-heavy hole valence band mixing. Contrary to self-assembled dots, we find a more homogeneous distribution of the mixing parameter, which can be explained by the absence of mechanical tension due to lattice mismatch. We have also measured magneto-optical parameters such as electron and hole g-factors, diamagnetic shift, fine structure splitting for bright and dark states. These results allowed us to estimate geometric parameters of dots, making a point on the growth quality. Polarisation studies on the dark states have revealed a result different from previous theoretical predictions. We have used a recently presented model to explain our findings. The last part of this work presents results on quantum dots embedded in an n-i Schottky structure. We have measured binding energies of positive and negative trions, to make a connection with previous results, to then study double quantum dot system. We have observed an anticrossing of hole S states, which is in agreement with our estimations based on sample parameters.

Une approche mixte théorique/expérimentale a été utilisé pour analyser les composants semi-conducteurs des cellules solaires à boites quantiques, ainsi que les interfaces qui se forment entre eux. En ce qui concerne la partie théorique de cette thèse, tout d'abord on a identifié un protocole computationnel pour décrire les propriétés géométriques et électroniques du bulk et les surfaces de CdSe. Après, les nanoplaquettes CdSe de plusieurs épaisseurs et passivé par plusieurs ligands distincts ont été simulés. Ensuite, une hétéro-structure nanocristal - semi-conducteurs à large bande interdite a été modélisée, et ses propriétés structurelles, vibrationnelles et électroniques ont été calculées. Expérimentalement, des semi-conducteurs à large bande interdite sous le forme de nanobatôns, ainsi que des nanocristaux sous forme des nanoplaquettes et des boîtes quantiques CdSe ont été synthétisées. Les nanobatôns ont été sensibilisés avec des nanocristaux CdSe préparés ex situ et in situ. Ces hétérostructures semi-conducteurs ainsi préparées ont été caractérisées par spectroscopie d'absorption UV-VIS et Raman. Enfin, des cellules solaires incorporant ces systèmes ont été fabriquées et testées. L'approche combiné expérimentale/théorique qu'on a utilisée a rendu possible de contre-valider la capacité des méthodes expérimentales et théoriques pour caractériser les systèmes semi-conducteurs étudiées lors de cette thèse. De plus, on a pu établir des indications générales pour la sélection des composants pour ces dispositifs. Cette approche mixte peut être étendu pour étudier des hétérostructures semi-conducteurs dans une vaste gamme des applications optoélectroniques. / A mixed theoretical/experimental approach was used to analyze the semiconductor components of quantum dot sensitized solar cells and the interfaces formed between them. We first identified a computational protocol that accurately and efficiently describes the bulk and surface geometrical and electronic properties of CdSe. Then, we simulated CdSe nanoplatelets of various thicknesses, passivated by different ligands. Next, a model of the sensitizer - wide band gap semiconductor heterostructure was built and its structural, vibrational and electronic properties were calculated. In the meantime, computational results were compared to experimental data. Wide band gap semiconductors (WBSC) in the form of nanorods and sensitizer nanocrystals (CdSe nanoplatelets and quantum dots) were synthesized. The WBSC substrates were sensitized both by ex situ and in situ grown CdSe QDs. The as-prepared semiconductor systems were characterized by UV-VIS absorption and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, solar cells based on these heterostructures were fabricated and tested. The applied combined theoretical/experimental approach made it possible to cross-validate the capacity of computational and experimental methods for the characterization of the semiconductor systems studied in this thesis. Moreover, general guidelines for the screening of QDSC components could be drawn from the obtained results. The here proposed mixed theoretical/experimental approach can be extended to other semiconductor heterostructures in a wide variety of optoelectronic applications, and it could contribute to a better understanding of the working principle of these devices and improve their performance.

In past years, nanoparticles have been studied as possible platform to be used in biomedicine. In order to establish the application potential of nanoparticles, its impact to biological systems have to be determined. Herein, several silicon-based nanoparticles of different origins were studied in respect of their influence on metabolic activity of human cells, namely osteoblast cell line SAOS-2 and monocytic cell line THP-1. The obtained results proposed that the impact of nanoparticles on cells is highly dependent on cultivation conditions in which nanoparticles are administered to cells. Furthermore, microscopy experiments were implemented in order to localize the particles within cells, where conventional microscopy limitations are evident. Key words: silicon nanoparticles, quantum dots, cell-particle interaction, cytotoxicity