Methods are disclosed generally directed to design and synthesis of quantum dot nanoparticles having improved uniformity and size. In a preferred embodiment, a release layer is deposited on a semiconductor wafer. A heterostructure is grown on the release layer using epitaxial deposition techniques. The heterostructure has at least one layer of quantum dot material, and optionally, one or more layers of reflective Bragg reflectors. A mask is deposited over a top layer and reactive ion-beam etching applied to define a plurality of heterostructures. The release layer can be dissolved releasing the heterostructures from the wafer. Some exemplary applications of these methods include formation of fluorophore materials and high efficiency photon emitters, such as quantum dot VCSEL devices. Other applications include fabrication of other optoelectronic devices, such as photodetectors.