Quantum Dots - Four Q&A’s to OSRAM
What are Quantum Dots?
Quantum Dots are nanometer-sized semiconductor particles that are about 10,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Due to their size, quantum mechanical effects become dominant in these structures. These nanoparticles emit light of a specific wavelength if blue LED pump light is applied to them and this wavelength (color) depends on the size of the Quantum Dots. For instance, 2 nanometer Quantum Dots produce blue light, whereas 7 nanometer sized particles emit red.
Details:
Category: Backlighting/Signage, Entertainment, Wearables/Mobiles
Location: Regensburg, Germany
Technology/Services:
LED components
Year: 2018
How do they affect LED light solutions?
Quantum Dots on LEDs promise to change the display and lighting industries by replacing broad-emitting, bulky phosphors through efficient nano-sized particles, resulting in higher efficiency and better color for displays and lighting.
Quantum Dots exhibit narrow band emission spectra which can be precisely tuned by changing their size. These narrow band Quantum Dots converters show potential for a large number of LED applications. In particular, they can be used to significantly improve the conversion efficiency of white LEDs for General Lighting.
Quantum Dots enable high-color rendering and very energy-efficient LED components for the next generation of lighting applications.
What will Osram Opto Semiconductors be offering in this field of lighting?
Osram Opto Semiconductors plans to produce lighting products with significantly improved efficacy incorporating CdSe based Quantum Dots. The Quantum Dot products that will be released to the market in the near term will be fully compliant with the RoHS regulations (max. allowable Cadmium (Cd) content). Cd free Quantum Dots solutions are on the development roadmap and will be introduced in due course.
Osram Opto Semiconductors recently acquired Quantum Dot technology, assets and know-how from Pacific Light Technologies (PLT). What can light developers expect in the future?
The unique characteristics of PLT’s technology are that its Quantum Dots are encapsulated in order to protect them from moisture and humidity which is, in fact, the main culprit for their performance deterioration today. With the added stability afforded Quantum Dots incorporating PLT’s encapsulation technology, these Quantum Dots are the only ones to reliably withstand the harsh conditions of “On Chip” operation inside the LED component.
This advanced technology will enable Osram Opto Semiconductors to close the efficiency gap between CRI 80 and CRI 90 LEDs present today. In addition, we will release new LED components targeting the general illumination market at first. These components will exhibit best-in-class performance in terms of efficacy, color rendering and spectrum. This will enable our customers to quickly develop high-quality, cost-efficient luminaires with outstanding efficacy and excellent color rendering.
