Samsung’s Quantum Dot Breakthrough Sets New Picture Quality Benchmarks

Quantum dots, a groundbreaking innovation in the field of materials science, have been gaining significant attention for their potential to revolutionize a variety of applications, from displays and medical devices to solar cells. This innovation took a remarkable leap forward in 2014 when Samsung Electronics introduced the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material, which enabled the commercialization of this technology through their SUHD TVs. Following this success, Samsung continued to refine and expand upon its quantum dot technology with the launch of its QLED TV series in 2017. Through an exploration of quantum dots, we can gain a deeper understanding of how Samsung’s display technology is being propelled to unprecedented heights.

### Quantum Dots: Pioneering Display Technology

Quantum dots are extremely tiny semiconductor particles, so small that they are tens of thousands of times thinner than a single human hair. This diminutive size bestows them with unique physical properties that allow for superior color accuracy and brightness, positioning them as a transformative force in display technology.

Incorporated into display screens, quantum dots enable a wide color range that mirrors the colors seen by the human eye. They also support precise pixel-level light regulation, ensuring deeper, more accurate black levels. By emitting light uniformly in all directions, quantum dots provide consistent color and brightness from any viewing angle, which reduces blue light exposure and results in a more comfortable viewing experience.

### Distinctive Features of Quantum Dot TVs: Content, Film Quality, and Cadmium-Free Technology

The television industry is actively exploring the potential of quantum dots, recognizing them as a paradigm shift in display technology. Consequently, a diverse array of quantum dot televisions has entered the market, offering consumers a wide selection of choices.

However, the distinguishing factors among quantum dot TVs lie in the method of technology implementation and the overall display quality. To deliver a superior viewing experience, it’s crucial to consider elements such as the concentration of quantum dot content, the caliber of the quantum dot film, and the adoption of cadmium-free materials.

### Quantum Dot Content

The true quality of a quantum dot TV is largely determined by its quantum dot content. To achieve the vivid, rich picture quality that quantum dots are known for, the quantum dot layer should contain at least 30 parts per million (ppm) of this material.

### Quantum Dot Film

Quantum dot displays boast a simpler and more efficient structure compared to traditional LCDs. Samsung’s QLEDs eliminate the need for a phosphor layer, which enhances light and energy efficiency while delivering vibrant colors. Moreover, a quantum dot OLED (QD-OLED), which incorporates a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer, a self-emitting light source, and a quantum dot film that utilizes the emitted light, further elevates picture quality. In both cases, a dedicated quantum dot film with ample quantum dots is essential for offering top-tier picture quality and durability.

### Cadmium-Free Innovation

Initially, cadmium was a crucial component in quantum dot technology due to its efficiency in achieving the benefits of color reproduction and contrast. However, cadmium’s toxicity posed a significant environmental challenge, hindering its widespread application despite its effectiveness.

Addressing this challenge, Samsung innovated by developing the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material in 2014, subsequently launching its SUHD TVs with this technology in 2015. This marked the dawn of a new era for quantum dot televisions.

### A Decade of Leadership and Innovation in Quantum Dot Technology

For over ten years, Samsung has been at the forefront of quantum dot technology, driving innovation through relentless research and investment. The company began its journey in 2001, at a time when research on non-cadmium materials was sparse. Achieving vivid colors required the uniformity of nano-sized particles, a feat complicated by the limited technology and research available at the time, making mass production exceedingly difficult.

Despite these challenges, Samsung successfully developed a no-cadmium nanocrystal material by 2014. Since then, the company has acquired extensive expertise, amassing over 150 patents and continuously enhancing the technology. Samsung’s dedication culminated in 2015 with the unveiling of the world’s first SUHD TVs using no-cadmium quantum dot technology.

Samsung’s QLED lineup, launched in 2017, set a new benchmark for premium televisions by overcoming the limitations of OLED TVs. Through the application of metal quantum dot technology, Samsung achieved the Digital Cinema Initiative’s color standard DCI-P3, achieving 100% color volume for the first time globally. This accomplishment enabled an unparalleled level of color expression, and the use of inorganic quantum dot technology safeguarded screens from burn-in, ensuring consistent picture quality over time.

In 2019, Samsung made further strides by developing a red light-emitting element for displays and enhancing the luminous efficiency of blue self-emitting QLEDs—one of the most challenging colors to implement—achieving an industry-leading efficiency of 20.2%. Dr. Eunjoo Chang, a fellow at Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, stating, “Discovering a blue material for self-emitting QLEDs and demonstrating industry-leading performance at the device level were significant achievements of this research.”

The culmination of these advancements was the introduction of QD-OLED TVs, which made history at CES 2022 by winning the Best of Innovation award for integrating quantum dot technology with OLED displays.

Samsung remains committed to advancing quantum dot technology through ongoing innovation, continuing to invest in leading display technologies, from QLED to Neo OLED, to deliver high brightness, color accuracy, and frequency. Samsung’s unparalleled quantum dot innovations promise a brighter future for display technology.

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