Quantum Science is proud to supply the best infrared lead-free quantum dot (LF-QD) technology available – but what does this mean for the SWIR industry?
As the UN declares 2025 ‘the year of quantum science’ in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the discovery of quantum mechanics, Quantum Science stands at the forefront of this sector. The business’s INFIQ® LF-QDs make SWIR imaging and sensing more accessible than ever, overcoming common performance barriers with a solution that is truly scalable. This recognition, validated by presentations at the 70th Annual IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting, marks a significant milestone for the company and for others looking to bring SWIR capability into high street devices.
The SWIR revolution
SWIR imaging has emerged as a game-changing technology across various industries. From precision agriculture to semiconductor inspection, SWIR cameras offer unparalleled insights by capturing light in the 0.9-1.7μm wavelength range. This unique capability allows SWIR sensors to penetrate materials opaque to visible light, revealing hidden details and patterns previously invisible to the human eye. However, so far, it has mostly been inaccessible to the consumer electronics sector due to the high cost and low performance of the available technology.
This is where INFIQ® LF-QD technology comes into play. Quantum Science’s LF-QDs are zero-dimensional semiconductor particles that exhibit unique optical and electronic properties. When infrared light shed on them, they can absorb infrared photons highly efficiently and convert the photons into electrical signals at specific wavelengths determined by their size and composition. By precisely controlling these parameters they can be tuned to respond to wavelengths from visible to SWIR and beyond.
LF-QDs represent a significant advancement over their lead-based counterparts in terms of market access, as they are not subject to common restrictions on the use of heavy metals. However, the challenge with LF-QDs has long been achieving the same level of performance as their lead-based counterparts, particularly in the SWIR range, and creating LF-QDs sensitive to longer wavelengths (beyond 1200nm) without compromising optical and electrical properties has been a significant hurdle for the industry.
The INFIQ® advantage
INFIQ® LF-QDs demonstrate unparalleled performance in SWIR sensing, reaching a peak wavelength of 1,400nm with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 16% at -1V and dark current below 7 µA/cm2 at the operating voltage. This achievement is a result of Quantum Science’s patented LF-QD ink system, enabling single-layer deposition without additional ligand exchange processes.
INFIQ® LF-QD technology stands out in three critical areas:
- Unparalleled performance: INFIQ® LF-QDs boast industry-leading quantum efficiency and stability, ensuring superior SWIR detection capabilities.
- Scalability: this technology can be manufactured at the scale required by a rapidly growing industry without compromising on quality or consistency.
- Cost-effectiveness: optimising production methods has significantly reduced the cost of infrared LF-QD technology, making SWIR capability more accessible than ever before.
These advancements represent a paradigm shift in SWIR imaging and sensing technology because they open new possibilities for SWIR applications in consumer electronics, an area previously limited by the performance constraints of lead-free technologies. SWIR imaging has long been confined to specialised industrial and scientific applications due to cost and integration challenges. INFIQ® LF-QD technology breaks down these barriers, offering a pathway to integrate advanced SWIR capabilities into mainstream consumer products.
Imagine smartphone cameras capable of superior imaging in low-light and night photography without relying heavily on traditional flash or software enhancements, advanced facial recognition sensors slim enough to fit beneath a screen, wearable devices that can monitor hydration and glucose levels in real-time, or augmented reality glasses that can provide enhanced night vision. These are just a few examples of the possibilities that this technology unlocks, and its arrival in the market is imminent. Major industry players are already starting to explore how SWIR capability can enhance their products, and INFIQ® LF-QDs offer the best solution for making these applications a reality.
Looking ahead
Quantum Science is already looking towards the future. Its scientists and engineers continue to push the boundaries of LF-QD technology, exploring new materials and fabrication techniques to further enhance performance and reduce costs. These advancements offer a gateway to new possibilities in consumer electronics, industrial applications, and beyond, making revolutionary applications available to the semiconductor industry at unprecedented low cost and high performance. To find out more about Quantum Science’s lead-free infrared quantum dot technology, contact us at info@qscis.com