SBIR Phase II: Ultra High Efficiency Printable Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Display

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to further enhance the efficiency and lifetime of quantum dot light emitting diodes (QD-LEDs) used for displays. An active matrix QD-LED prototype display will be demonstrated using solution processing. The lifetime of QD-LED will be extended by determining degradation mechanisms, and development of new materials, modified device processing and encapsulation techniques. The effects of charge imbalance and light trapping on the efficiency of QD-LED will be determined and optimized. External quantum efficiencies will exceed 18%. Lifetimes of QD-LEDs exceeding 10,000 hours for all three primary colors will be demonstrated, which meets the requirement for mobile display applications. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be a demonstration that quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs) have the commercial advantages of high efficiencies and long lifetimes. QD-LED will be welcomed by the display industry which is now desperately searching for next generation technologies. The demonstration of an active matrix QD-LED display prototype with a solution printing process will be a critical step towards the commercialization. The systematic investigation of technical details involved in the printing process of active matrix QD-LEDs will enable the construction of a pilot facility and eventual mass production. The simple architecture and solution fabrication process will provide significant cost advantages over conventional processes.