The term Artificial atom is commonly used to describe objects that have bound, discrete electronic states, as is the case with naturally occurring atoms. Semiconductor quantum dots are the most common example of artificial atoms, and are (square) 2D analogies for real atoms.

Artificial atoms, or quantum dots, are really made up of more than one atom, but are like single atoms in one important way: when you provide the right amount (or quanta) of energy, they will give off coloured light.

External links

• Periodic Table of 2D artificial atoms