On the example of previously synthesized colloidal quantum dots (QD) of some semiconductors (CdSe, PbS, HgSe, InSb), the limiting sizes of nanocrystals with perfect structure during their synthesis were determined depending on the ratio of their volume and surface energies, which can vary from 6 nm for QD-InSb to 17 nm for QD-CdSe. The conductivity of single quantum dots in the interelectrode nanogap is one-electron, and their current-voltage characteristic has regions of electron tunneling through potential barriers, Coulomb current limitation, and resonant peaks of quantum conductivity. Dimensional relations are determined and nomograms of the relationship of dimensional parameters are constructed to ensure the conditions for quantum conductivity. The assumption about terahertz current oscillations is substantiated.

Colloidal nanocrystals (quantum dots (QDs)) of mercury selenide have been synthesized and the effect of size quantization on their basic properties has been investigated. The current-voltage characteristics of single QDs (less than 10 nm) had features in the form of separate regular peaks and quasi-periodic current oscillations with voltage intervals (0.1–0.2) V. The observed features were explained in the models of size quantization and Bloch oscillations. The absorption spectra in the range up to 25 μm had eight certain peaks, including five – interband and intraband transitions and three – with energies (145–215) meV, which are explained as intraresonant. Calculations show that it is possible to have IR photosensitivity in the wavelength range up to 40 μm.