Quantum Dot Display Science and Technology

Chapter 14Future of Quantum Dots in Displays and Beyond

Peter Palomaki

Palomaki Consulting, LLC, Billerica, MA, USA

14.1 Introduction

Only a decade ago, very few consumers had any idea what quantum dots (QDs) were. Now consumers are presented with many different display options marketed as containing QDs to enhance the viewing experience. While commercial applications containing QDs outside of displays have yet to be fully realized, there is still major room for growth in both displays and other optical and optoelectronic applications.

The main function of QDs can be boiled down to energy conversion. One type of energy goes in, and another goes out. Three processes capture the majority of existing and potential commercial applications.

1. Photon-to-photon: QDs absorb light and convert it to a different (generally lower) energy light.
2. Electric-to-photon: QDs receive an electric signal and convert it into light.
3. Photon-to-electric: QDs absorb light and convert it to an electric signal.

To date, the majority of commercial applications for QDs have been photon-to-photon conversion (photoluminescent). This includes all commercialized display applications. Electroluminescent QD light-emitting diode (QD-LED) devices convert electricity to photons, but these are not yet commercialized. Photodetectors leveraging QDs have been commercialized for NIR and SWIR imaging applications that use photon-to-electric energy conversion. In all three energy conversion approaches, QDs will continue ...