a, Cerenkov emission spectrum and absorption spectra of typical tissue components. The theoretical Cerenkov emission spectrum is reproduced from ref. 10. b, Emission and absorption spectra of synthesized CdSeTe/CdSe/CdZnS NIR QD used in this work. c–d, Emission spectra of QD micelles and 89Zr oxalate mixtures in PBS. Each sample contains either (c) 80 µCi of 89Zr and indicated dilution of QD micelles, or (d) a fixed concentration of QD micelles and 89Zr with indicated activity. e, Under excitation of 80 µCi of 89Zr, the emission light intensity from the QD is linearly related to QD concentration.