The machine sensing era is upon us. From car manufacturers to social media firms, the world’s largest companies are actively seeking out the technology that will unlock the next leap forwards in the imaging field.
Quantum dots (QDs) hold the answers these tech giants are looking for. These nanoscale semiconductors that can absorb and emit different wavelengths of light have the potential to revolutionise markets worldwide, and usher in exciting new opportunities for a wide range of applications.
However, until recently, there were significant barriers preventing QDs from reaching their full potential. Traditional QD deposition methods struggled with inefficiency and production at a large enough scale to keep up with demand.
This changed with the advent of Quantum Science’s revolutionary INFIQ® QD inks. These solution processed QDs overcome the volume production issues that have plagued the industry, significantly reducing costs,and facilitating short wave infrared (SWIR) imaging at mass market prices. This offers a cost-effective answer for consumer and machine sensing applications.
Previous attempts to commercialise QD technology have relied on a multi-layer process. This process involves applying QDs in individual layers to form thin photoactive films capable of converting light to electronic signals. Additional chemical treatments are carried out on each layer to ensure the functionality and performance.
This process is highly inefficient, with up to 90% of materials discarded. Each new layer applied also raises the risk of defects forming, significantly hampering mass production capabilities, which in turn limits the commercial applications of QDs.
Put simply, the current QD thin-film stack formation process is an overly complicated process that is prone to error and leads to low product yield.
Quantum Science’s INFIQ® QD inks change the game for QD deposition. Our process enables QDs to be dispersed as a nanoparticle ink that can be solution- deposited onto a wide range of substrates. With wafer scale processing up to 300mm, our inks deposit INFIQ® QDs in a single thick layer, dramatically reducing material waste and removing the risk of defects occurring. This process effectively solves the high-cost, low throughput problem of SWIR detection.
The benefits of this technology will be immense. INFIQ® QD inks will enable scaled up production of critical imaging and sensing technology, enabling high performance at prices previously thought unattainable.
Through increased access to SWIR sensing systems, our INFIQ® QDs will facilitate breakthroughs in sectors from medicine to defence. Technologies that seemed the stuff of science fiction could become a reality; INFIQ® QD inks will fast-forward development of self-driving cars by enabling greater 3D mapping in autonomous vehicle control and allow doctors to detect subdermal conditions in their patients without the need for invasive procedures. In the world of mobile technology, our QD inks will unlock innovative applications such as enhanced facial recognition, augmented reality, and low light vision.
With our INFIQ® QD inks, Quantum Science is breaking new ground in robust, reliable, QD ink synthesis processes. High performance and cost effective QD production has never been possible at this scale, and as the technology develops further, the possibilities it offers for future applications will only become more exciting.
For more information about Quantum Science Ltd and its INFIQ® QD technology, please visit www.quantumscis.com